1. 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 aproval on
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2. 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 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)
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3. Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016
AQF versus EQF
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4. 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 .
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5. Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016
AQF versus EQF: the same map, but :
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6. Albanian Qualification Framework Warsaw – September 2016
AQF – Actual HE learning outcomes
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. 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.
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. 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 ?
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16. I guess those are good questions to ask !!