Learning through informal and non-formal means
Research has illustrated that around 80 per cent of what adults learn is through informal and non-formal means. This includes the workplace as well as the direct experience that employers share with their employees. This emerged during a half-day...
Research has illustrated that around 80 per cent of what adults learn is through informal and non-formal means. This includes the workplace as well as the direct experience that employers share with their employees. This emerged during a half-day conference held recently at the Radisson SAS Baypoint Resort on the impact of the validation of informal and non-formal learning to the work environment.
The conference was organised jointly by the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) and the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) in collaboration with the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA).
In the past, such learning was considered as a very important element in the formation of the employee. With the advent of formal schooling, training and specialisation, informal and non-formal training became a "Cinderella" element on the list of required skills. The Lisbon Agenda has once again brought these valuable learning experiences in the limelight. All skills and competences, whether learnt in formal or informal contexts, should have the same parity of esteem and recognition. All skills contribute to economic growth, prosperity and a better quality of life.
The conference is aimed at highlighting the benefits that employers can derive from the recognition of informal and non-formal learning, particularly during the recruitment stage and in mapping the workforce skills and competences for expansion and further investment.
Validating informal and non-formal learning through certification and level-rating within Malta's Qualifications Framework is an added value to the employment sector in Malta. Employers will know better what experiences and skills the new individual is bringing to the company; learners will be accredited for what they are capable of doing besides for what they have learnt and those organisations and companies who will be accredited by the MQC for validating informal and non-formal learning will be more attractive to employees and will gain in status both locally and internationally.
The conference was organised jointly by the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC) and the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) in collaboration with the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA).
In the past, such learning was considered as a very important element in the formation of the employee. With the advent of formal schooling, training and specialisation, informal and non-formal training became a "Cinderella" element on the list of required skills. The Lisbon Agenda has once again brought these valuable learning experiences in the limelight. All skills and competences, whether learnt in formal or informal contexts, should have the same parity of esteem and recognition. All skills contribute to economic growth, prosperity and a better quality of life.
The conference is aimed at highlighting the benefits that employers can derive from the recognition of informal and non-formal learning, particularly during the recruitment stage and in mapping the workforce skills and competences for expansion and further investment.
Validating informal and non-formal learning through certification and level-rating within Malta's Qualifications Framework is an added value to the employment sector in Malta. Employers will know better what experiences and skills the new individual is bringing to the company; learners will be accredited for what they are capable of doing besides for what they have learnt and those organisations and companies who will be accredited by the MQC for validating informal and non-formal learning will be more attractive to employees and will gain in status both locally and internationally.