ECTS and the Recognition of Qualifications Baku Bologna

ECTS and the Recognition of Qualifications Baku Bologna Seminar Current issues in the Bologna process Bastian Baumann, Baku, 27 May 2008

ECTS - Background • 1989/90 ERASMUS Programme • Transfer System – Mobility – Recognition • Accumulation component – Generic tool for organisation of programmes – Curricula design – Quality Assurance • European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

ECTS - Basic Features • Time is limited – 1500 - 1800 hours • 60 ECTS per year • 1 ECTS credit equals 25 - 30 hours of work

ECTS - Workload Calculation I • Basis: workload needs to be realistic – Not just guessing – But calculating • Time to be taken into consideration: – – – Seminars, Lectures, . . . Excursions, field trips Internships Self-study Etc.

ECTS - Workload Calculation II • Workload = Students’ workload • Impossible to know whether it is realistic without asking students • New programmes: Estimation >> Allocation >> Assessment >> Adjustment • Old programmes: Assessment >> Adjustment • Adjustment: Courses or programme • E. g. Learning diaries; every 3 years

ECTS - Tools • ECTS Course Catalogue • Learning Agreement • Transcript of Records • In addition to workload and learning outcomes • Not ECTS grading system

Learning Outcomes • Statements of what a learner is expected to be able to do, know or understand after a process of learning • Why? – “What did you learn? ” vs. “What can you do” – Input vs. Output • Transparency • Comparability >> Recognition

Recognition Lisbon Recognition Convention (1997) • International treaty • No automatic recognition • Application necessary • Recognition shall be granted unless there are substantial differences

Main principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention • • Transparent procedure Burden of proof with the institution Timely decision Right to appeal

Conclusion • ECTS is a tool for transparency, comparability, recognition, QA, etc. • Workload and Learning Outcomes • Recognition: LRC • Takes time to properly implement, but only then it will have all the effects