Assessing, recognising and certifying informal and non-formal learning (ARCNIL): evolution and challenges

Abstract

"Certifying non-formal and informal knowledge may be a consequence of separating education and training from other social and economic activities. Specialisation and formalisation of education and training both aim to increase learning efficiency. In the emerging knowledge society, this has attracted particular attention among researchers and politicians involved with human resources. There are increased efforts to expand knowledge, including explaining and certifying non-formal and informal variants. Faster knowledge cycle turn-round speed makes the education market an insufficient mediator between demand and supply, increasing inconsistencies between education and work and raising questions of transparency. Offering a second chance of better education attainment and diminishing the effects of closed internal labour and training markets are also important. While favouring certification of non-formal and informal knowledge and skills, the author identifies those who might lack interest and warns against simplifications that discredit certification or create illusions that it might replace formal education." (Autorenreferat, BIBB-Doku)