Observal: European Observatory of Validation of non-formal and informal activities

Explore & find out what diversity on validation practices on non-formal and informal learning throughout the European member states exists. 

Final Report of Observal, January 24, 2011. 

The European Observatory on validation practices of non formal and informal learning in European countries is the key product of the OBSERVAL project which is funded by the Leonardo da Vinci programme and coordinated through EUCEN (European University Continuing Education Network).
Together with partner experts from 24 countries of the European Union representing the different educational sectors (higher education, vocational education and training, adult education) the project has produced and collected different materials and documents which are now available and accessible via the Observatory.
The Observatory addresses its resources to a large range of actors (decision makers at national and institutional level, social partners, human resources managers, people in charge of validation,…) facilitating materials which are usually confidential or limited in use and dissemination outside of the context where they have been produced. The presented diversity on the state of play, good practices and procedures concerning the validation of non-formal and informal learning throughout the European member states helps to deepen the understanding and allows comparison to an extent which wasn’t as easily possible before.
Doing so, the Observatory offers a platform for exchange, contributes to the ongoing and future debate in Europe on validation of non-formal and informal learning and shows new pathways for the realisation of an European Lifelong learning Area. For more information, please contact Oliver Janoschka at EUCEN: oliver.janoschka@eucen.org.