Stan Lester Developments

Stan Lester Developments

Qualification frameworks and levels are now a fairly well-established, if sometimes contested, component of most countries’ education and training systems. I was involved in the UK with developments such as the Qualifications and Credit Framework and Ufi Learning through Work levels framework, as well as with some inputs to international frameworks and comparative work. A particular concern that I have is that despite the good intentions of developments such as the EQF (and the QCF as it was originally envisaged), frameworks have a tendency to overemphasise achievements in formal educational settings and can devalue or underreport those that don’t fit with officially-sanctioned curricula or modes of learning.

Practical considerations

This paper outlines some technical matters relating to describing qualification levels and creating frameworks. It is followed by the (now defunct) Learning through Work level indicators that illustrate some of the principles involved.

► Qualification and credit levels: a technical document (2009)

► The Ufi Learning through Work level indicators (2003).

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Issues with UK frameworks

These papers explore issues relating to UK frameworks, including the flaws that led to the QCF being replaced after only seven years of operation (in my paper I was overoptimistic: I thought it might last for ten). The earlier papers are now historical, but do contain some points that are still relevant to qualification frameworks in the UK and more generally.

► A qualification system fit for adults? Revisiting some ideas from the University for Industry (HESWBL 2015)

► The UK Qualifications and Credit Framework: a critique (JVET 2011)

► The construction of qualification levels and frameworks: issues from three UK projects (Higher Education Quarterly 2001)

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European and international frameworks

These papers explore some issues around international qualifications and education frameworks, including the EQF, the FHEA, and ISCED.

► Sequential schooling or lifelong learning? International frameworks through the lens of English higher professional and vocational education (Education + Training 2018)

► The European Qualifications Framework: a technical critique (RPCE 2015)

► Some notes on European Directives, professions and qualifications frameworks (2010).

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