The aim of the National Knowledge Centre for Validation of Prior Learning (VPL) is to collect, produce and disseminate information and documentation of existing knowledge on VPL. Furthermore the Knowledge Centre is focusing at developing methods for VPL at national level in cooperation with national authorities and relevant partners within the educational system and with partners in industry, organisations and third sector. The focus of the Knowledge Centre is primarily within the adult educational sector up to diploma level, but is also covering the implementation of VPL within Medium–cycle Higher Education Program and Short-cycle Education Program.
NVR provides on the basis of a long range of developmental projects to different target groups like: educationalist, practitioners within the sector, politicians and private companies. The aim is to provide an updated basis of knowledge for the way VPL is carried out in Denmark.
The Knowledge Centre is also a forum for networking and inspiration for all interested parties in the field of VPL and offers services such as consultancy, lectures, seminars, conferences, newsletters, reports and publications.
Background
The Danish Parliament passed in June 2007 the “Act no. 556”, which gives every citizen the right to a process of VPL. Prior learning is defined as the overall knowledge, skills and competences irrespective of where and how they have been developed and acquired.
For further background information, the Danish Ministry of Education has developed a policy paper on VPL. Read it here
Activities
In short, the key activities of the Knowledge Centre are:
• Gathering and systematising experiences with validation of prior learning (VPL)
• Development of methods, models and criteria for VPL
• Development of courses and education within the field og VPL
• Dissemination of national and international knowledge in the field through conferences, seminars, newsletters and websites
• Dissemination and information by reports, articles and publications
• Cooperation with relevant networks
Partners and sponsor in NVR
The partners of the Knowledge Centre are the Engineering College of Aarhus, University College Lillebaelt, Aarhus Business College and VIA University College.
The Knowledge Centre is funded by The Danish Ministry of Education.
The challenges and possibilities
It is the aim of the Knowledge Centre to establish a constructive collaboration between the policy level, national governmental institutes, research bodies and Knowledge Centres and strengthening the educational systems competences, use and development of validation of prior learning as an integrated part of their work.
The Knowledge Centre has a challenge and a possibility of developing a coherent structure for validation of prior learning between the private sector, the educational sector and the Third Sector that will underline the full meaning of lifelong education.
For the educational institutions, the new law means a number of new challenges; both for those with experience with the assessment of prior learning as well as for those for whom the field is entirely new.
The institutions must develop a practice that ensures a great degree of transparency and quality in the process involving the clarification, documentation, assessment and recognition of prior learning. This raises demands in relation to the instruments, methods and procedures involved. Moreover, it raises demands with reference to the skills and competencies of the persons who are to carry out the assessments.
The Knowledge Centre is to be a functional, dynamic and useful national platform for validation of prior learning.
International collaboration and links
The Danish Knowledge Centre for Validation of Prior Learning is involved in international collaboration and cooperation. Not only because it brings new knowledge about different ways of working with validation and recognition of prior learning, but also because it can qualify the different aspects of our work.
- European Observal
The Knowledge Centre is the Danish partner in the 3 year EU project Observal. The project is directly financed by the European Commission. The Aim of Observal is to establish an international European platform for observation related to validation of prior learning. Partners in Observal are mapping, collecting and systematising practise, policy and research within VPL in the partner countries. The central steering committee in Observal will then analyze and in a critical way make a survey on national level and further point out areas for best practice. The Danish Knowledge Centre views this work as an important way of collaboration which will be beneficial to the national strategy and implementation. Read more here
- Nordic Networking
The Knowledge Centre is a member of an expert group working with validation within Nordic Network for Adult Learning. Read more here |
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Information and contact
If you're interested in more information about the National Knowledge Centre for Validation of Prior Learning or the work with VPL, then contact the head of centre, Kirsten Aagaard:
Mail:
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Mobile: + 45 87 55 18 21
Adress: Rudolfgårdsvej 1, 8260 Viby, Denmark |
Relevant websites about VPL in Denmark
The Danish Ministry of Education. Read more here
"Guidance in education", an introduction to the educational guidance system in Denmark. Read more here
Read more here
Educational guides for studying in Denmark. Read more here
Accessibility to education in Denmark. Read more here
Review on Prior Learning in the Nordic Countries. Read more here
Example of a portefolio. Read more here |
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