Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 History Albania signed up its membership in the BP Community in 2003 Albania was missing BFUG activities from 2002 to 2006 BFUG_AL – After the meeting of Vienna in April 2006 Large Albanian BFUG (mostly by academics) One Sub-Group dedicated to the AQF (CARDS – EU) October 2006 –2008 large working group in view of AQF formal approval in line with the 2010 HE Law AQF law Nr.10247 aproval on 4.3.2010 Slide 1

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 Issues regarding the AQF approval In 2007 – very first BP oriented Law on HE : FLD (First Level Diploma – Bachelor 180 ECTS) SLD (Second Level Diploma – Master 300 ECTS) SLM (Second Level Master - Post Master 360 - 420 ECTS) PhD In 2010 – second Law on HE : Bachelor 180 ECTS Master (both Scientific and Professional up to 300 ECTS) Second Level Master - disappeared PhD (with 60 ECTS points in the first year) Slide 2

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF versus EQF Slide 3

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 Issues regarding the new AQF law approval In 2015 – Third Law on HE – Academic Freedom, HEI’s Autonomy and QA oriented: Bachelor 180 ECTS (under national quality entry condition) Master (both Scientific and Professional up to 300 ECTS) Second Level Master - reappeared (Executive Master 360 to 420 ECTS) PhD (without 60 ECTS in the first year) Another task force to better adopt the changes taking place in the overarching educational system in Albania and propose the amendment of the AQF Law . Slide 4

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF versus EQF: the same map, but : Slide 5

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Actual HE learning outcomes Slide 6

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 5 KNOWLEDGE knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their areas of study and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study ; an ability to present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subjects of study COMPETENCES evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their areas of study and / or work; communicate the results of their study or work accurately and with structured and coherent arguments; undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment; SKILLS qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility. Slide 7

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 6 KNOWLEDGE knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their areas of study, and of the way in which those principles have developed; ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context; knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subjects, and ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study; an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretation based on that knowledge COMPETENCES use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis; effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis, in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist environment audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively ; undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations; SKILLS qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Slide 8

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 7 PM KNOWLEDGE a systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is, at the forefront of defined aspects of a discipline; an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis an enquiry within a discipline; conceptual understanding that enables the pretender to devise an sustain arguments and / or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of a discipline, and to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in the discipline; ++ COMPETENCES apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding and to initiate and carry out projects; critically evaluate arguments, assumptions abstract concepts and data, to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution – or identify a range of solutions – to problem; communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences; SKILLS qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable context and; the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature. Slide 9

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 7 SM KNOWLEDGE a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice; a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship; originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and inquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline; conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline ++ COMPETENCES deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level; continue to advance their knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills to a high level; SKILLS the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility ; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations and; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. Slide 10

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 8 EM KNOWLEDGE the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through advanced scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication ; a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice; the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of a new knowledge; a detailed understanding of applicable techniques. COMPETENCES perform judgements about issues of special areas, effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences; continue and develop, at an advanced level, new techniques and approaches; SKILLS the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and autonomous initiative on complex situations. Slide 11

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – Proposed HE learning outcomes – level 8 PhD KNOWLEDGE the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit publication; a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of an academic discipline or area of professional practice; the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of a new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline and to adjust the project in the light of unforeseen problems; a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic inquiry. COMPETENCES make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in absence of complete data and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; continue to undertake pure and / or applied research and development at an advanced level, contributing substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas or approaches; SKILLS the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative on complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments. Slide 12

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 AQF – DS At national level a DS gives information about The owner generalities National HE system and legal framework in force Detailed study programme and grades per course Information about the HEI awarding the title Specific learning outcomes (more than sectoral) Information about issues of pursuing professional or academic career Slide 13

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 Issues regarding the AQF amendment approval: ETF assistance; involved in the process: 2 ministries and several VET and HE institutions Trade unions Academics and students employers’ community …. still missing Slide 14

Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016 Issues regarding the AQF renewing and implementation Council of AQF supervision (?!); AQF versus EQF and this is it? Is NQF a tool for recognize and transfer K&C&S; what about hiring their owners? What about sectoral QF (SQF) ? Does SQF have any relation with Diploma Supplement (DS)? Is somewhere any SW linking NQF SQF DS or other experience in the area ? Slide 15

I guess those are good questions to ask !!