National Centre for EducationDepartment of Curriculum

Unit of Vocational Education Curriculum Development

Learning outcomes approach

and using units

Experience, challenges,

opportunities in Latvia

Riga, November 5-7, 2014

National Centre for Education,Unit of Vocational Education Curriculum

Development

•Provides curriculum development for vocational education regarding State Education Standard

•Gives consultations and methodological support to vocational education providers

•Collaborates with social partners in vocational education

The development of vocation education curriculum

Occupational standard State Education

Standard

Vocational education curriculum

Modernization process of vocational education has been carried out since 2008.The restructuring of vocational education curriculum based on learning outcomes has been started.

Occupational standard

Vocational education process

Field research

Sectoral qualification structure based on NQF (descriptions of qualification levels, descriptions of professions, maps of professions)

Development of the occupational standard

Designing vocational education programme

Vocational education process

Qualification practice

National qualification examinations

Skilled/ trained worker

ESF project Development of sectoral qualification system and increasing efficiency and

quality of vocational education

• Implemented since 2011 in cooperation with employers, employees and educators in restructuring vocational education curriculum.

• In the project 12 Sectoral Expert Councils have been established. Their role in vocational education is increasing.

Foundation of 12 Sectoral Expert Councils (NEPs)

Representatives of employers (LDDK)(nominated by industry associations and approved by PINTSA (National Tripartite Sub-Council for Cooperation in Vocational Education and Employment)

Representatives of State (nominated by

Ministry of Sector and Ministry of Education and

Science)

Representatives of employees nominated by LBAS (Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia )

Secretariat: 3 persons(LDDK; LBAS; VISC)

Sectoral Expert Council (NEP)

Project results

• In 14 sectors the research has been carried out.

• 14 sectoral qualification structures have been established:

Basic qualifications, linked professions and specializations have been defined and structured according to professional qualification levels.

Wood Industry (Forestry) profession map

Modular vocational education programmes

Sectoral Expert Councils defined qualifications for developing modular vocational education programmes based on learning outcomes.

56 modular vocational education programmes have been developing now.There are 4 teachers and 2 professionals in each work group.

The Sectoral Expert Councils have nominated 2 experts to evaluate the compliance of programmes to needs of labour market.

For exampleVehicle service mechanic

EQF: level 4

Learning outcomes

Is able to: remove and set up car assembly, junctions and details.

Knows: work materials and techniques for junction renewal

Understands: schemes and drawings, sequence of screwing and unscrewing

Modules (units) Learning outcomes are grouped in modules according to criteria:•Related to the same set of occupational activities•Related to the same product or production tecnique •Related to the stages in the production process.

Module maps of linked professions are set up.

C

B

A Vehicle constructi

on

Technical graphics basics

Dismanting and

assembling

Vehicle repair basics

Repair of vehicle body

details

Vehicle maintenance

Changing and

repairing tyresCar

locksmith qualification practice

Testing A part of the programme for vehicle body

repairer qualification

Hydraulic and pneumatic system repair

Technical service organization

Electronic system repair basics

Vehicle mechanic

qualification practice

Technical graphics

Vehicle body

straightening

Body welding

Renewing details of

vehicle body

Repair of body plastic

details

Repair of vehicle

glass details

Vehicle body repir organization

Vehicle body

repairer qualificati

on practice

Driving*

Maintenance and repair of small aliances

Sale of vehicles

and spare parts

Vehicle body

design elements

Motorbike structures

and maintanan

ce

Car interior dry cleaning

Welding basics

Metalworks basics

Vehicle body repair

Vehicle electric equipment repair

Engine repair

Vehicle chasis maintenance

MAP of MODULES in VEHICLE SERVICE

Content of modules • Learning outcomes• Thematic contents defined in % in relation to the

module• Assessment criteria for average and optimal

levels• Methodological techniques and tools• Necessary teaching and learning facilities

Future opportunities• Qualifications are made of modules (units) of

learning outcomes and each module can be assessed and validated;

• It is possible to assign points to modules within a qualification.

• ECVET elements and principles fit in the development of vocational education system, qualification framework, help to improve the flexibility of vocational education system.

• It is planned to start implementation of modular programmes by September 2015.

Thank you for attention!laura.strode@visc.gov.lv

VISCVaļņu iela 2, Rīgawww.visc.gov.lv