BACKGROUND

The International Workshop aims to draw on lessons from current work conducted by Cedefop and other research and international organisations on the implications of learning outcome approaches to the design and implementation of curriculum and assessment policies and practices. This is the continuation of two annual events organized by Cedefop in 2009 and 2011 summarized in Cedefop’s Briefing Note When defining learning outcomes in curricula, every learner matters and a research paper published in 2010 on Learning outcome approaches in VET curricula: a comparative analysis of nine European countries. This research has been now expanded in all 32 countries participating in the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training ("ET 2020").

The Workshop is an opportunity to bring together researchers, government advisers, policy makers, social partners, practitioners and representatives of international organizations actively involved in curriculum development and assessment policies and practices for learners to debate on 1) latest developments in Europe to create effective links between teaching, learning and assessing; 2) developments in other parts of the world; 3) needs and directions for further research.

These insights will contribute to two Cedefop’s ongoing comparative studies on “European policies and practices in designing and delivering outcome-oriented curricula in VET” and “Assessing Learning outcomes in VET”.

PURPOSE

The conference presentations, discussions and exchanges are expected to:  

−    Present and discuss developments, reforms and European trends on  VET curriculum and assessment policies using the learning outcomes approach;
−    Examine the potentials and limitations of learning outcome-based approaches to curriculum development and learner’ assessment;
−    Compare methods and tools used in developing VET curricula based on learning outcomes and creating effective assessment for learners;
−    Debate on how curriculum and assessment practices can improve learning outcomes in vocational education and training;
−    Identify needs for future research.

Two parallel sessions will draw on general lessons for policy development and implementation on the following key issues:

1. Ensuring links between curriculum and assessment policies

• The alignment of standards with curricula and assessment
• The relationship between intended and assessed learning outcomes

2. Improving teaching, learning and assessment

• Innovations in teaching and assessment methods and tools
• Links between formative and summative assessment

The workshop will take an interactive approach, allowing participants to share experience and brainstorm on the various issues.

The conclusions and working reports produced from this workshop, as well as presentations given by the participants will be available for download in this website within two weeks upon the completion of the workshop.

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