qualifications are better understo Recognition in the Modern World – future best practice T International Conference on lity Assurance in Higher Education April – 3 May 2013 nidad and Tobago Tim Buttress Deputy Director Marketing & Communications UK NARIC
Recognition in the Modern World – future best practice. Tim Buttress Deputy Director Marketing & Communications UK NARIC. ACTT International Conference on Quality Assurance in Higher Education 30 April – 3 May 2013 Trinidad and Tobago. qualifications are better understood. UK NARIC. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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qualifications are better understood
Recognition in the Modern World– future best practice
ACTT International Conference onQuality Assurance in Higher Education30 April – 3 May 2013Trinidad and Tobago
Tim ButtressDeputy DirectorMarketing & CommunicationsUK NARIC
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC
UK NARIC is the UK’s national agency responsible for providing information and advice on vocational, academic and professional skills and qualifications from all over the world.
Part of the ENIC-NARIC network which was established in 1984.
Aim of the network is to “stimulate the mobility of students and staff”.
Underlying principle is to ensure that the attributes of an individual are recognised.
Operate under contract from UK Central Government.
Provides services for individuals and organisations.
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for individuals
40K + enquiries a year
50:50 split between education and employment
Statement of ComparabilityFast Track
CertificateEnglish Language AssessmentCareer Path Report
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for individuals
FE UG PG Grad Emp Occ Emp Prof Emp0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 (ytd)
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for individuals
SoC Cert ELA CPR -
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for organisations
Organisations
850 members
HEIs, Professional Bodies, Careers Guidance organisations, employers, local and central Government, education bodies etc.
Online DatabasesMember EnquiriesTrainingConferenceCounter FraudeCataloguesNewslettersConsultancy and Research
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for organisations
39% - HE
27% - FE
2% - CG
7% - PB
6% - EO
8% - EB
1% - GL
2% - GC 1% - LS 2% - RT 4% - OT
Higher Education - HE
Further Education - FE
Careers & Guidance - CG
Professional Bodies - PB
Education Other - EO
Education Bodies/Agencies - EB
Government - Local - GL
Government - Central - GC
Legal Services - LS
Recruitment - RT
Other - OT
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC – services for organisations
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 -
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
600,000
620,000
640,000
660,000
680,000
700,000
720,000
740,000
Member Enqs DB Page Views
qualifications are better understood
The Concept of Recognition
Professional Mobility
Qualification Frameworks
Quality Assurance
Core Credential Evaluation
Criteria
Academic Mobility
Recognition
Transparency and
Information Provision
qualifications are better understood
Individuals
Professional Bodies
FE and HE institutions QAA
CANQATE
ENQAQuality
Assurance Bodies
Other government / education
agenciesENIC
- NARIC Network
Thematic Steering Groups
Recognition Agencies:UK NARIC
Recognition
European Area of Recognition
National Action Plans
ENIC-NARIC Network
NARICs
Lisbon Recognition Convention
qualifications are better understood
Not just academic
ECTS
Europass -Diploma
Supplement
European Higher
Education Area
Bologna Declaration
ECVET, EQF
Europass – Certificate
Supplement
ET 2020
Copenhagen Declaration
HE TVET
qualifications are better understood
Towards a European Area of Recognition
Transparency
Harmonisation and Transferability
Best Practice in Recognition
Europass
ENIC-NARIC Network
National Action Plans – Implementing and Improving National Action Plans
European Area of Recognition
European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
European Qualification FrameworkEuropean Credit system for VET (ECVET)
Mutual recognition of QA
ENQA
ENIC-NARIC Network
qualifications are better understood
Transparency
Linking recognition centres in Europe, Australasia, and North America….
Sharing and providing information on:
• Recognition of foreign qualifications
• Best practice in recognition
• Education systems internationally and in the centre’s own country to other recognition centres, institutions, employers and other relevant stakeholders
Promoting mobility through Europe by removing barriers to working, studying or training
Harmonisation and Transferability The European Qualification Framework for
Lifelong Learning
England
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Entry Level 3
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
France
Level 1+
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
EQF
Level 8
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
qualifications are better understood
Harmonisation and Transferability
The European Qualification Framework for Lifelong Learning
The EQF should not replace credential evaluation but support it.
Case Study: A UK university is considering applications for admission to undergraduate study.The requirement for admission is 3 GCE A levels or a comparable international qualificationEnglandQCF Level 3
GCE AS and A Level
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) level 3
Functional Skills Level 3 (England only)
EQF Level 4
Learning outcomes include:• Factual knowledge in
broad contexts within a field of work or study
• A range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions
FranceCertifications de niveau 4
Titre Professionnel: Gouvernante Fall on broadly the same
level of the EQF but:• different purpose• different content• different structure• different general learning
outcomes
qualifications are better understood
Best Practice in Recognition
ENIC – NARIC Offices
Contributions from a range of ENIC-NARIC bodies
including UK NARIC
European Area of
Recognition
Manual for consistent best practice with
practical recommendations for
use in recognition offices
information provision; accreditation; quality assurance; the Diploma Supplement; qualification frameworks; credit systems and transfer; substantial differences, transnational education
qualifications are better understood
Assessing qualificationsQualification frameworks (QCF and EQF)
QCF 8 bands
EQF 8 bands
We use NARIC bands
“…develop a the list of statements in order to eradicate inexact or excessively broadly statements…”
In the QCF there are 5 levels between GCE A Level and PhD.
Qualifications focussing on basic skills and knowledge to enable individuals to actively participate in familiar environments. Simple, directed tasks can be completed under appropriate supervision
• Comparable to Entry levels 1, 2, 3 / SQA Access 1, 2, 3 units / SQA Access 2 and 3 National Courses / Foundation level Standard Grade / SQA Awards at SCQF levels 1, 2, 3 standard
• Comparable to SQA National Certificate at SCQF levels 2 and 3 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF levels 2 and 3 standard
qualifications are better understood
Assessing qualificationsBand
Band Descriptor Comparison Statement
1 Qualifications demonstrating basic knowledge of a specific subject or discipline. Straightforward tasks can be completed under appropriate supervision
• Comparable to GCSE (grades D-G) / General Standard Grade standard
• Comparable to VGCSE (grades D-G) standard / Intermediate 1 standard
• Comparable to N/SVQ level 1 standard
• Comparable to SQA National Certificate at SCQF level 4 / SQA National Progression Award at SCQF level 4 standard
• Comparable to SQA Award at SCQF levels 4 standard
qualifications are better understood
Assessing qualificationsBand
Band Descriptor Comparison Statement
14
Qualifications that reflect the ability to develop original ideas and concepts in a highly specialised area. Work undertaken at this level is at the very forefront of the chosen discipline and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in that area.
• Comparable to British Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) standard
• Comparable to SQA Professional Development Award (SCQF level 12) standard
qualifications are better understood
Assessing qualificationsBand
Band Descriptor Comparison Statement
15
Qualifications that recognise higher achievement in academia, where recorded.
• Comparable to British Post Doctoral standard and above
qualifications are better understood
Recognising the whole
CreditsHE
qualifications
TVET
Skills & experience
Professional qualifications
Secondary qualificationsLanguage
tests
qualifications are better understood
Future Best Practice
Need to consider the whole
Not only academic
Adapting the needs of members – not all UK based
Increase in usage from those outside the traditional market of HEIs
Also, more individuals applying to HEIs with TVET quals
Also, qualifications used for entry into Professional Bodies, within immigration systems, to gain employment
How can we continue to ensure that comparability statements are “accurate”
qualifications are better understood
Professional Qualifications
PQs are a significant segment of qualifications an individual can present.
But what is their value?
Can only judge in academic terms
Methodology based on
Identification of suitable UK benchmarksIdentification of the professional award type and sectorSourcing information relevant to the professional qualification Analysis of the professional qualification using UK NARIC evaluation criteria Benchmarking the qualification to the UK NARIC Band FrameworkValidation and verification of benchmarked level
Professional Body’s view
European Directive 2005/36/EC
qualifications are better understood
TVET
Same principles as the academic qualifications
In Europe the Vocational and Technical frameworks are well defined = easier
Certificate Supplement highlighting the profile of the skills and competencies gained as a result of the course.
Outcome based
qualifications are better understood
Skill & experience
Recognising non-formal learning
Supporting evidence
Training, managed activities
Europass Mobility documentation
Skills Passport
ReferNet Policy Impact Reporting
qualifications are better understood
Credits
Many qualifications are made up from credits
What happens if an individual has completed some credits from a qualification and leaves with an incomplete qualifications?
UK NARIC are unable to assess the qualification
ECVET (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training)
“…allowing for the accumulation and transfer of credits gained through the recognition of learning outcomes in vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. ECVET has been developed to facilitate the recognition of achievements in vocational education and training, in formal, informal and non-formal learning…”
Underpinned by European legislation
qualifications are better understood
Language proficiency
Part of the UK’s immigration system.
English Language speaking country
Achieving the relevant grade in a recognised ELT
Achieving a Bachelor level qualifications where MOI is English
ELT Catalogue
qualifications are better understood
Credits & QCF
Qualifications on the QCF rules are made up of units
Each unit has a credit value
One credit will usually take you 10 hours of learning
Units build up to qualifications
Three different types of qualification in the QCF: Award, Certificate and Diploma
Award with 1 to 12 credits
Certificate you will need 13 – 36 credits
Diploma you will need at least 37 credits
qualifications are better understood
Credits & QCF
qualifications are better understood
What employers what
Graduate recruiters, graduates and careers professionals
AttitudeSkillsWork experienceQualification
Also
300K graduates from UK HEIs every year
78 applications for each graduate job
qualifications are better understood
Standing out from the crowd
qualifications are better understood
Portfolio Management
Academic
Professional
Skills
Language proficiency
Non-formal Learning
qualifications are better understood
Education fraud
How do you know whether a qualif ication is legitimate?
Who should you consult?
What is education fraud?
Education fraud
Who commits fraud?
Gene Morrison'Bogus forensic expert bought degree on web' Manchester Evening News
qualifications are better understood
Stein BaggerDanish Entrepreneur of the YearDenmark's best IT-company
Abdul Pirzada'Fake doctor jailed over CV l ies ‘
BBC Dec 2012
AcademicsWhen is a fake not a fake?
Over 20 professors of music are facing a retrial, having previously been found not guilty of using doctoral degrees purchased in Russia to obtain faculty posit ions in South Korea. This includes a pianist who is said to have received over US$2 mill ion for acting as a broker for the Russian college and those seeking degrees. The musicians were acquitted last year because the district court deemed that the degrees could not be regarded as fake because they had been approved by the Russian authorit ies. The acquittals have now been deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court because the accused were appointed on the basis of the evidence of qualif ications they submitted as if they had genuinely been obtained in Russia.
Q A A I n t e r n a t i o n a l N e w s l e t t e r N o v 2 0 0 9
h t t p : / / j o o n g a n g d a i l y. j o i n s . c o m / a r t i c l e / v i e w. a s p ? a i d =2 9 1 2 3 0 4
qualifications are better understood
AcademicsWhen is a fake not a fake?
Over 20 professors of music are facing a retrial, having previously been found not guilty of using doctoral degrees purchased in Russia to obtain faculty posit ions in South Korea. This includes a pianist who is said to have received over US$2 mill ion for acting as a broker for the Russian college and those seeking degrees. The musicians were acquitted last year because the district court deemed that the degrees could not be regarded as fake because they had been approved by the Russian authorit ies. The acquittals have now been deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court because the accused were appointed on the basis of the evidence of qualif ications they submitted as if they had genuinely been obtained in Russia.
Q A A I n t e r n a t i o n a l N e w s l e t t e r N o v 2 0 0 9
h t t p : / / j o o n g a n g d a i l y. j o i n s . c o m / a r t i c l e / v i e w. a s p ? a i d =2 9 1 2 3 0 4
qualifications are better understood
Degree Mills
Degree Mill: An Institution of higher education operating without supervision of a state or professional agency and granting diplomas which are either fraudulent or worthless because of the lack of proper standards
Degree Mills do not equal Unrecognised Institutions
qualifications are better understood
Degree Mills
Common features:• Strong emphasis on fee levels and payment plans.
Often prices are very low• Short duration of courses – days or weeks• Long list of accreditation agencies and affi l iated bodies• Offer to accredit l ife experience• Links such as ‘Order Now’ and ‘free evaluation forms’
are often found at the lower end of the market• Unlikely degree tit les• No contact address• Contact details that differ from claimed location of the
institution
qualifications are better understood
Examples of Degree Mills
Los Angeles and Honolulu! It is unusual to have the records office and the campus over 1000 miles apart!
So many campuses in all these countries!
qualifications are better understood
My favourite!
qualifications are better understood
http://www.superiorfakedegrees.com/
Degree or Diploma Certif icate – $230.00 (includes two copies of degree cert if icate) Degree or Diploma Transcripts – $250.00 (includes two copies of degree transcripts)
Degree Cert if icate and Transcripts Package – $380.00 (includes 2 copies of degree or diploma certif icate along with 2 copies of transcripts) You Save Over 20%!
Degree or Diploma Certif icate – $230.00 (includes two copies of degree cert if icate) Degree or Diploma Transcripts – $250.00 (includes two copies of degree transcripts)
Degree Cert if icate and Transcripts Package – $380.00 (includes 2 copies of degree or diploma certif icate along with 2 copies of transcripts) You Save Over 20%!
Premium/Platinum Package $2500.00 ( i nc ludes Passpor t , va l i d c i t i zensh ip (your cho ice o f 8 coun t r ies ) , b i r t h , and mar r iage ce r t i f i ca tes , V isa o r Mas te rCard , Ut i l i t y B i l l s , Lease ag reemen t (s ) and Bank Accoun t )
Gold Package $1500.00 ( i nc ludes c i t i zensh ip – you r cho ice o f 3 coun t r ies , passpor t , b i r t h , and marr iage ce r t i f i ca tes , u t i l i t y b i l l s , lease agreement (s ) , Mas te rCard and Bank Accoun t )
Silver Package $1000.00( I nc ludes c i t i zensh ip – your cho ice o f 3 coun t r ies , passpor t , b i r th and mar r iage ce r t i f i ca tes )
It gets even better
Institutions
Source: Allen Ezell April 2007qualifications are better understood
In order to operate as a successful degree mill, accreditation is necessary. Reputable accreditation agencies and ministries of education cannot be approached, leaving the prospective degree mill with 4 choices:
• Lie• Pay bribes• Gain accreditation from a body that does not
provide accreditation• Invent an accreditation agency
Degree Mills - Accreditation
qualifications are better understood
Combating fraud
Red flags
Lack of official stampSignaturesMisalignmentSpelling mistakesVariety and types of fontsPaper qualityHand writingUnlikely degree titlesInconsistent terminology
qualifications are better understood
Genuine
qualifications are better understood
Fake
qualifications are better understood
Genuine or Fake
qualifications are better understood
Genuine or Fake?
qualifications are better understood
Fake 1
Fonts
qualifications are better understood
Fake 2
Spacing
qualifications are better understood
Fake 3
Wording
qualifications are better understood
Genuine or Fake?
Name
qualifications are better understood
Fake
qualifications are better understood
Name
qualifications are better understood
MOOCs
Massive Open Online Courses
Large-scale interactive participation and open access via the internet
Coursera, edX, MITx, Udacity and Wedubox
As of December 2012 the US platforms (Coursera, edX, and Udacity) offered around 230 MOOCs from 40 US based HEIs to over 3 million students.
cMOOC – emphasising a connectivist philosophyxMOOC – resembling more traditional and well-financed courses
qualifications are better understood
MOOCs, Quality and Recognition
UK NARIC principles based on “if accredited then normally we recognise irrespective of delivery”
• the status of the awarding institution• the standing of the qualification within the country's education system• the entrance requirements in the country of origin• the duration of a course of study• a review of the course structure• a consideration of course content• an analysis of method of study• the assessment method.
MOOCs, Quality and RecognitionHowever, for MOOCs do these still hold true?
Criteria Meets current criteria?the status of the awarding institution
/?
the standing of the qualification within the country's education system
/?
the entrance requirements in the country of origin
/? /the duration of a course of study
/? /a review of the course structure
/? /an analysis of method of study
?/the assessment method. ?/
qualifications are better understood
UK NARIC
Aim of the network is to “stimulate the mobility of students and staff”.
Underlying principle is to ensure that the attributes of an individual are recognised.