Bernhard Chabera Brussels, 1 June 2010

Approaches and progress towards the implementation of LLL strategies and

policies in the Member States

Lifelong learning: where do we stand?

Progress: • Awareness among policy-makers and stakeholders on value of

lifelong learning

• Emphasis on connections and pathways between different levels and forms of learning

• Learning outcomes orientation, qualifications frameworks

• Recognition of prior learning, validation of non-formal and informal learning

• Lifelong guidance

Source: 2010 Draft Joint Progress Report of the Council and the Commission on the implementation of the work programme Education and Training 2010

LLL strategies: where do we stand?

• A number of countries have overarching strategies with a document that is relevant for policy making and associated to a budget, agreed with stakeholders (CZ, DK, EE, FI, LT, SI, UK-Scotland)

• Some have a document with a strong sectoral focus (LT, LV, SK) or which lacks relevance in policy making

• A number have policies and sectoral strategies covering all areas, without being based on a single strategy document (BE nl, ES, FR, IE, IS, LU, NL, NO, PT, SE, UK-England)

Source: Analysis of implementation 2009 - Annex to Draft Joint Progress Report 2010

LLL strategies: where do we stand?

Persisting Challenges:

• Agreed strategies that cover all levels of education and training + formal/non-formal/informal learning

• Effective stakeholder coordination/involvement

• Coherent financing arrangements

• Involvement of regional and local level actors

• Linking the worlds of eduation and work, youth, social affairs etc.

• Measures to enhance equity in participation and outcomes

ET2020: Focus on Implementation of LLL strategies / policies

• Promote transnational policy learning and awareness raising of LLL; networks for knowledge transfer

• Highlight crucial role of regional and local actors

• Support national policy-makers and stakeholders by:

- analysing critical factors that facilitate/hinder successful realisation of a strategic and overarching approach to LLL

- identifying examples of good practice at national/regional/local level

Draft report on critical factors for LLL implementation

6 critical factors identified and discussed in peer learning seminar:

1) Tackling the interests of relevant stakeholders

broad array of interests; cooperation, consensus building, partnerships; example: regional partnerships in the NL

2) Attracting (disadvantaged) people towards learning activities

focus on external and internal factors (attitudes, habits, social contexts); how to reach people? Examples from IE and SI: address whole community/ family

3) Developing LLL infrastructure and institutional capacitysharing of infrastructure (example: CZ VET schools), ICT and online learning for certain groups; instiutions and staff need to adapt to LLL requirements (staff training, new teaching methods, etc) – example from a University in AT

Implementation of LLL strategies/ policies - focus on:Critical factors

4) Implementing adequate financing mechanismsgreater efficiency; appropriate mixture between public, private and individual contributions; assure that most disadvantaged benefit from funding

5) Promoting adapted design of learning activities according to target groups

pedagogy, learning context and content; meet learners’ expectations; role of teachers and trainers

6) Feedback loops and policy memory for continuing improvementcomplexity of LLL implementation, keep commitment and common understanding of LLL alive; mainstreaming of e.g. locally developed solutions; build on understanding on the « ground »;

ET2020: Focus on Implementation of LLL strategies / policies

Next steps:

• Analysis of results of peer learning seminar

• Critical factors report to be published in autumn 2010

• BE presidency conference on E&T and social inclusion in Sept. 2010, Ghent