Mary Hanafin, T.D., Minister for Education and Science, Ireland pictured at the Dissemination Conference: Policy Implications of National Qualifications Systems and their Impact on Lifelong Learning, 20 October 2005, Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The role of national qualifications systems in promoting lifelong learning , took place in Dublin on 20-21 October, 2005. The conference was co-organised by the OECD and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (acting on behalf of the Irish Department of Education and Science and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment).
This work has been underway since 2001 and has sought to identify processes and mechanisms through which national qualifications systems can influence the motivations of those who may wish to learn and the provision of learning opportunities generally. The objective of the work has been to inform decision-makers about possible policy actions in relation to national qualifications systems for the promotion of lifelong learning. This conference marked the completion of the international synthesis report entitled Policy Implications of National Qualifications Systems and their Impact on Lifelong Learning. It offered an opportunity for international experts and country representatives to engage with the issues raised by the report and to explore the usefulness of the findings for policy makers.
The international synthesis report has been produced in close co-operation with national study managers and participating international organisations.
The conference was opened by Ms. Mary Hanafin, T.D., Minister for Education and Science, Ireland. Details of the conference sessions are provided in the attached provisional agenda. Following the keynote address by Mr. Gordon Clark from the Directorate General for Education and Culture of the European Commission on the emerging European Qualifications Framework, the authors presented the context of, and the main findings from, the OECD report on the first morning. The afternoon was devoted to four parallel sessions on the main themes drawn from the report.
Final Agenda (English and French)
European Commission Consultation on a European Qualifications Framework
Mr. Gordon Clark, Head of Unit, Lifelong Learning Policies, Directorate General for Education and Culture, European Commission
Presentation of the International Synthesis Report
Mr Abrar Hasan, Head of Education and Training Policy Division, OECD: Background and rationale of the activity: Lifelong learning at the OECD.
Mr Mike Coles, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (UK) and Mr Patrick Werquin, OECD: Main findings of the activity
Theme A - Qualifications Framework
Chair: Akiko Sakamoto (ILO, Geneva)
Two country presenters:
- Australia: Judy Forsyth (AQF)
- Ireland: Bryan Maguire (Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology)
Rapporteur: David Raffe (CES, Scotland)
Theme B - Recognition of Prior Learning
Chair: Miho Taguma (OECD, Paris)
Two country presenters:
- Canada: Kerry Lynn Lake (HRDSC)
- France: Anne-Marie Charraud (RNCP)
Rapporteur: Stuart Garvie (Qualifications Authority, Ireland)
Theme C - Credit Accumulation and Transfer
Chair: Gabriella di Francesco (ISFOL, Italy)
Two country presenters:
- Ireland: Edwin Mernagh (Qualifications Authority, Ireland)
- Mexico: Juan Bautista Climent Bonilla (MOE)
Rapporteur: Rita Dunon (MOE, Flemish Community of Belgium)
Theme D - Policy Coordinatin and Coherence
Chair: Michéle Longpré (OPET, Switzerland)
Two country presenters:
- Greece: Tina Simota (EKEPIS)
- Portugal: Candida Soares (MOL)
Rapporteur: Jorma Ahola (MOE, Finland)