New QAA resources support lifelong learning

QAA has today published a series of resources supporting the provision of lifelong learning across the UK: a 'Micro-credential Framework for Wales and Northern Ireland', a members' resource on 'Preparing for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement' and a report on 'Making Lifelong Learning Work' across the UK.

Funded by Medr and developed through engagement with providers across both nations, the 'Micro-credential Framework for Wales and Northern Ireland' shares effective practices for designing, delivering and reviewing credit-bearing micro-credentials, in such areas as learner engagement, resourcing, the use of data, monitoring and enhancement, processes for approval, review and accreditation, partnerships, student recruitment and admissions, learner support, concerns and appeals, and approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.

It notes: "Micro-credentials offer the opportunity to provide a new approach to learning. A bite-sized approach may be attractive and accessible to individuals who might otherwise not engage in, or have disengaged from, formal education. The small but focused nature of micro-credentials can enable learners to develop new areas of knowledge and skills… This Framework is intended as a starting point for the design and development of micro-credentials to ensure provision is well designed and fit-for-purpose. Tertiary education providers are encouraged to view this Framework as an essential tool for ongoing quality management to ensure micro-credentials across Wales and Northern Ireland provide a high-quality learner experience and facilitate learner mobility."

The QAA membership resource on 'Preparing for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement' details institutional considerations for flexible and modular provision in this area, considering such points as recruitment, access and admissions, credit transfer, regulatory requirements, alignment with the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, issues of break points, modularity and curriculum design, delivery models, student support, accelerated degrees, systems readiness and arrangements for transition, integration and progression – emphasising that "to enable lifelong learning, provision needs to support flexibility, recognise prior learning where applicable, and enable progression, while maintaining academic standards and positive student outcomes".

Produced in partnership with the Lifelong Education Institute, 'Making Lifelong Learning Work' presents a detailed comparison of approaches to lifelong learning across the UK and argues that the four nations should learn from one another systematically.

It explains: "The test of all four systems is ultimately the same. Lifelong learning must offer more than a collection of programmes or a theoretical entitlement to finance. It must provide adults with clear, affordable and supported routes into learning, enable them to carry their achievements between institutions and stages of life, and connect education more effectively with changing careers and employer needs. Devolution has produced four different answers to this challenge. The next step is to ensure that the nations learn from one another as those answers are tested in practice."

Earlier this year QAA also published related resources to support short-cycle courses and higher technical qualifications.