Report - Salto

Bridges for Recognition | Hot Issues discussion groups
67
groups
Manuel Souto of ECOTEC Research and Consulting, introduced
some of the controversial or ‘Hot Issues’ that they encountered
when establishing an “Inventory of the Recognition and
Validation of Non-Formal Learning”. During this task, which
they undertook on behalf of the European Commission, they
aimed to get an overview of different systems for the recognition
of Non-Formal Learning, not only within youth work but also
in the work place and in civil society. The aim of the Inventory
was to support and stimulate the development of high quality
validation methodologies and standards.
www.ecotec.com/europeaninventory2004/
Manuel Souto highlighted that Validation and Recognition of Non-Formal Learning is by no
means a simple affair. Many controversies exist around it. The so-called controversial ‘Hot
Issues’ could be organised around three strands.
1. Preconditions for validation of non-formal and informal learning in the Youth sector
2. Implementation of validation and recognition procedures or systems
3. Monitoring and transferability of recognition tools
Under the first strand, discussion will focus on some of the necessary elements to establish
systems for validation of non-formal and informal learning, with a focus on the Youth sector.
These elements are the predisposition of Youth Organisations to take part in the validation of
non-formal and informal learning, allocation of responsibilities, and funding sources.
The second strand will focus on how validation initiatives can actually be implemented. In practice
implementation relates strongly to standard-setting, quality assurance, the degree of formalisation
of validation methodologies and ensuring equality between different target groups.
The third strand will explore the feasibility of alternative transferability across different sectors,
countries and Youth organisations –a topic of much relevance for practitioners.
The three strands are not self-contained, but rather, they are strongly interlinked. For example,
the level of funding available in Youth organisations for validation initiatives determines to an
important extent the conditions for the implementation of these initiatives.