Quality-oriented Accreditation of Vocational Learning Outcomes in Health Care and Nursing

Objectives

The description and cross-border recognition of vocational learning outcomes is of considerable importance, particularly in the care sector. Due to demographic change, it is to be expected that the demand for staff in elderly care and nursing will increase. Labour market research also forecasts a shortage of skilled workers in these areas. Concepts are therefore needed that promote a transition into these occupations. This includes the use of learning outcomes from other training programmes and VET systems, without compromising the quality of training and the level of vocational competences.

Research focus

The Module Level Indicator (MLI) developed at the University of Oldenburg is used as a common instrument (see the Methods section). The MLI procedure is carried out by the core partners in cooperation with VET institutions in the care sector.

In the first project phase, vocational training programmes in each country are assessed with the help of the MLI. Together with the cooperating nursing schools, the core partners identify and collect reference materials that provide information on the learning outcomes typical of a training programme. These reference materials include training regulations, curricula, teaching materials and examination tasks. These documents are assessed by means of the MLI. On the basis of these data, detailed descriptions of learning outcomes are then drawn up for each assessed qualification, indicating the level of the learning outcomes according to the EQF.

In the second project phase, the detailed documentation is used for bilateral level comparisons of learning outcomes from different countries. These bilateral comparisons each cover two vocational qualifications in the care sector from different partner countries. For example, training as a geriatric nurse in Germany is compared with corresponding learning outcomes from the other partner countries, so that there will be a minimum of four level comparisons.

Methods

The project activities are based on the instruments of the so-called equivalence comparison, i.e. the Learning Outcome Matrix (LOM) and the Module Level Indicator (MLI), whose purpose is to capture the content of vocational learning outcomes and to determine their level on the basis of the levels of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The MLI determines the level of learning outcomes by means of 51 items derived from the EQF descriptors. This approach enables a transparent description and assessment of learning outcomes on the basis of a valid frame of reference, with the EQF levels serving as the quality benchmark.

Results

The main outputs of the project are the CrediCare knowledge resources, which will be published in print and as online editions:

• The CrediCare MLI User Guide is a procedural documentation for future users.

• The Level Assessment Report contains the descriptions of the qualifications examined in the form of units of learning outcomes and is intended to support the recognition and crediting of these units (e.g. by employers or for continuing training).

• The CrediCare Accreditation Manual is based on the comparative level classification of training programmes and units of learning outcomes through the bilateral equivalence comparisons and can be used as a guide and source of information for the transnational recognition of qualifications.