Validation

The official term for validation therefore includes all these types of learning.

 

The importance of guaranteeing the right of the individual to such validation is reflected in key legislation and national strategies.

 

At a strategic level, there has been a development towards policies aimed at broad, differentiated opportunities for competence development. In the Strategy for Lifelong Learning 2007 (Ministry of Education and Research), validation of informal and non-formal learning was one of the main priorities. The Government initiative on Lifelong Learning 2009 states that the system for validating prior learning must be promoted and strengthened.

 

The validation system is based on shared principles in all sectors; among others that the validation process should be voluntary and beneficial for the individual. The opportunities, rights and benefits related to the validation process are promoted by various stakeholders locally and nationally. Vox is one of the important bodies in this work.

 

Work in progress 

Vox has had the responsibility for implementing a two-year project aming to improve coordination between those who hold the formal responsibility for validation of prior learning, and the social partners and other stakeholders.

The final report of the project (2011) points out a need to improve co-operation and involvement in different sectors at county level, and between different levels of education.  There is also a need to improve transitions between education levels and between working life and education. Furthermore, quality assurance is important; both as to methods and as to the training of assessors. So far the Norwegian system is very much based on mutual trust; previously there has been little emphasis on quality systems.
 
For 2012, the work will continue with further development based on the suggestions in the report mentioned above.