Transitions between VET and HE - Shortages and good practices in the Finnish ECEC sector

Author(s):

Heidi Harju-Luukkainen (presenting / submitting) Carina Kiukas (presenting) Kati Laine Ellinor Silius-Ahonen

Conference:

ECER 2015

Network:

22. Research in Higher Education

Format:

Paper

Session Information

22 SES 04 D, Student Transition: Diverse Perspectives

Paper Session

Time:

2015-09-09

09:00-10:30

Room:

340. [Main]

Chair:

Roeland van der Rijst

Contribution

The overall purpose for education in Europe within ECEC (early childhood education and care) sector is to guarantee highly qualified professionals and to support the individual learners in their lifelong learning process. In Europe, professionals working on ECEC sector are educated both in vocational education and training (VET), and in higher education (HE). As the ECEC professionals develop on their career it is natural, but also desirable to aim for a further qualification within the chosen professional field. In this paper, we investigate the individual’s possibilities for a smooth transition from VET to HE. The platform for this research is the EAGLE (ECVET and ECTS Growing Links in European Education) project, funded by the European Commission. The consortium of the project comprises five European member states with thirteen partner organizations from VET-providers, universities, and representatives of working life to policy-makers. In this paper we focus to examine the transition process between VET and HE in the Finnish ECEC sector. By investigating student cases within the Finnish ECEC sector, we demonstrate solutions for student’s validation process. The results demonstrate best practice solutions i.e. make visible the core elements included in a smooth and transparent transition and validation process.

Method

In this research, we focus on finding smooth bridges between VET and HE in the Finnish ECEC sector. Our case study approach offers the possibility to embrace the complexity of this phenomenon and to enhance the understanding of the challenges and possibilities related to it. Moreover, the holistic approach within the case study methodology enables variety of methods when gathering data. The data used in this study includes validation documents (concerning competences and learning outcomes within the VET as well as the HE institution), student interviews, and research diaries. The results focus on the best practices, which can be further utilized for developmental purposes.

Expected Outcomes

The main results can be summarized in four topics: 1) The importance of the tutoring of the student in the VET as well as in the HE institution. The tutoring on the VET institution should be about preparing the student to demonstrate and prove his or her gained competence. The tutoring in the HE institution needs to be focused on recognizing the gap in the competence that needs to be filled. 2) The importance of the student being the subject of the process since it is all about his or her competence and will have a consequence for further learning. In Finland, it is the student´s responsibility to initiatethe validation process.. 3) The transparency of accreditation and validation processes on the institution in question. Clear processe for accreditation and validation ensure equality and is a legal right. 4) Transparency of competences and learning outcomes in VET and HE. A validation based on competences and learning outcomes demands accessibility and transparency in order to compare the qualifications in question.

References

DRUDY, S.,GUNNERSON, L. & GILPIN, A. (2008) Tuning Educational Structures in Europe. Reference Points for the Design and Delivery of Degree Programmes in Education. Education and Culture (DG, Life Long Learning). Opetusministerö. (2007). Aiemmin hankitun osaamisen tunnustaminen korkeakouluissa Opetusministeriön työryhmämuistioita ja selvityksiä 2007:4 (Recognising prior learning in higher education institutions, Committee on recognising prior learning and credit transfer in higher education institutions. Reports of the Ministry of Education, Finland 2007:4 )

Author Information

Heidi Harju-Luukkainen (presenting / submitting)

University of Helsinki, Finland

Carina Kiukas (presenting)

Arcada University of Applied Science, Finland

Kati Laine

University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Ellinor Silius-Ahonen

Arcada University of Applied Science, Finland

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