Key Terms of Discussion A-E
A - E | F - K | L- Q | R - V
assessment of learning outcomes
The process of appraising knowledge, know-how, skills and/or competences of an individual against predefi ned criteria (learning expectations, measurement of learning outcomes). Assessment is typically followed by validation and certification.
Comment: in the literature, ‘assessment’ generally refers to appraisal of individuals whereas ‘evaluation’ is more frequently used to describe appraisal of education and training methods or
providers.
In German: Bewertung von Lernergebnissen
basic skills
The skills needed to live in contemporary society, e.g. listening, speaking, reading, writing and mathematics.
Comment: combined with new basic skills, basic skills form key skills.
In German: Grundkompetenzen / Grundfertigkeiten / Basis-, Kernqualifikationen
certificate / diploma / title
An official document, issued by an awarding body, which records the achievements of an individual following an assessment and validation against a predefi ned standard.
In German: Befähigungsnachweis / Bescheinigung / Diplom / Zertifikat / Zeugnis / Titel
certification of learning outcomes
The process of issuing a certificate, diploma or title formally attesting that a set of learning outcomes (knowledge, knowhow, skills and/or competences) acquired by an individual have been assessed and validated by a competent body against a predefi ned standard.
Comment: certification may validate the outcome of learning acquired in formal, non-formal or informal settings.
In German: Zertifizierung von Lernergebnissen
competence
The ability to apply learning outcomes adequately in a defi ned context (education, work, personal or professional development).
Comment: competence is not limited to cognitive elements (involving the use of theory, concepts or tacit knowledge); it also encompasses functional aspects (involving technical skills) as well as interpersonal attributes (e.g. social or organisational skills) and ethical values.
In German: Kompetenz
continuing education and training
Education or training after initial education and training – or after entry into working life aimed at helping individuals to:
– improve or update their knowledge and/or skills;
– acquire new skills for a career move or retraining;
– continue their personal or professional development.
Comment: continuing education and training is part of lifelong learning and may encompass any kind of education (general, specialised or vocational, formal or non-formal, etc.). It is crucial for the employability of individuals.
In German: Fort- und Weiterbildung
digital literacy
The competence to use information and communication technology (ICT).
In German: digitale Kompetenz / Medienkompetenz
education or training path
The sum of learning sequences followed by an individual to acquire knowledge, skills or competences.
Comment: a learning path may combine formal and non-formal learning sequences which validation leads to certification.
In German: Verlauf der allgemeinen und beruflichen Bildung
education or training pathway
A set of related education or training programmes provided by schools, training centres, higher education institutions or VET providers, and that facilitates individuals’ progression within or between activity sectors.
In German: Weg der allgemeinen oder beruflichen Bildung / Zweig der allgemeinen oder beruflichen Bildung
education or training provider
Any organisation or individual providing education or training services.
Comment: education and training providers may be organisations specifically set up for this purpose, or they may be other, such as employers, who provide training as a part of their business
activities. Training providers also include independent individuals who offer services.
In German: Anbieter der allgemeinen oder beruflichen Bildung
European qualification framework for lifelong learning (EQF)
A reference tool for the description and comparison of qualification levels in qualifications systems developed at national, international or sectoral level.
Comment: the EQF’s main components are a set of 8 reference levels described in terms of learning outcomes (a combination of knowledge, skills and/or competences) and mechanisms and principles for voluntary cooperation. The eight levels cover the entire span of qualifications from those recognising basic knowledge, skills and competences to those awarded at the highest level of academic and professional and vocational education and training. EQF is a translation device for qualification systems.
In German: Europäischer Qualifikationsrahmen für lebenslanges Lernen (EQR)
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