1. 1 Thessaloniki 15 October 2007 Jens Bjornavold European centre for development of vocational training (Cedefop) Why do we focus on learning outcomes; what do we want to achieve?

2. 2 We need to make a broader range of learning activities and outcomes visible We need to value a broader range of learning activities and outcomes We need to remove barriers to learning by facilitating access, transfer and progression Learning outcomes; a prerequisite for lifelong and lifewide learning

3. 3  Bologna process – ‘Dublin descriptors’  Tuning project  European Qualifications Framework  European Credit transfer System for VET  European principles and guidelines on validation of non- and informal learning  ‘Sustainable professionalisation’  PISA for VET Learning outcomes at European level

4. 4 Overarching National Qualifications Frameworks in Europe Existing NQFs: Ireland, UK (England, Scotland and Wales), France, Malta Commitment and preparation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey Consideration: Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania and Sweden

5. 5 EQF requires a (re) interpretation of national qualifications levels in terms of learning outcomes ‘Window dressing’ or a genuine effort to review national qualifications levels? How to achieve real comparability? The shift to learning outcomes The shift to learning outcomes requires objectivity and transparency to allow for mutual trust

6. 6 Will the shift towards learning outcomes influence the learning processes themselves? And in which direction? What does the learning outcomes approach mean for the role of the teachers? What will the learning outcomes approach mean for assessment? Learning outcomes and the individual learner

7. 7 The conference should give feed back to the ongoing comparative study onm learning outcomes The conference can inform us on themes and issues to be give attention in the future Cedefop and learning outcomes

8. 8 Shifting perspective from provider to user, from teaching to learning Developing a common language to bridge between the different stakeholders Learning outcomes; the two main challenges