An inclusive view to curriculum change

The role of curriculum in the context of lifelong learning

Curriculum is increasingly seen by stakeholders as a dynamic framework guiding teaching and learning processes and as a steering mechanism for quality. It features in key European policy documents as a new consensus for contributing to Europe 2020, the European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Findings of empirical research widely recognise that curriculum relevance is a condition sine qua non, not only for improving the human capital potential of education and training graduates but also for retaining learners in education and training systems and for promoting lifelong learning. The endemic irrelevance of curriculum may be one of the greatest obstacles to matching education and training provision successfully to learner and labour market needs. Adopting a learning outcomes approach when developing curricula - valuing what a learner knows, understands and is able to do on completion of a learning process - is seen by many policy makers as an effective way to avoid such potential mismatches and promote active learning and inclusive teaching. However, this assumption depends on many factors, including how curricula are being delivered in learning environments.
Cedefop’s work on curricula and learning outcomes

In recent years, Cedefop’s analytical work has increasingly focussed on learning outcome approaches in vocational education and training to design and describe qualifications, to set standards and to influence quality assurance, validation and certification approaches. In 2009, Cedefop organised the 1st International workshop to debate about innovative curriculum policies and practices in Europe and beyond http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/. In 2010, a comparative study in nine European countries on learning outcome approaches in VET curricula was published to provide a better understanding of recent curriculum policies and point to main tendencies and challenges in this field. This research is now being expanded in all 32 countries participating in ET 2020 and will continue in the coming years.

The conclusions and working reports produced from this workshop, as well as, related publications and notes collected by the participants will be available for download in due time in this website.