Mechanisms for modernizing the lifelong learning system.

GD&TĐ - After graduating from vocational schools or colleges, many people face difficulties when they want to pursue higher education due to the limited recognition of their academic achievements.

In the context of digital transformation, the development of a knowledge-based economy , and the demand for improved human resource quality, the need for lifelong learning, skill upgrading, career change, and skill updating among workers is increasing.

However, in reality, many people who have graduated from vocational schools or colleges, or who already have professional experience, still face difficulties when wanting to continue their education at a higher level due to limited recognition of learning outcomes, having to relearn much of the accumulated content, prolonging the training time, and increasing learning costs.

In this context, the draft Circular on articulation training from the Ministry of Education and Training is expected to create a significant shift in modernizing Vietnam's articulation system towards greater flexibility, a learner-centered approach, while still ensuring the quality of training and the value of diplomas.

Students should not have to relearn what they have already mastered.

One of the notable new points in the draft is the strengthening of the mechanism for recognizing learning outcomes and transferring credits based on learning outcomes, training program content, accumulated competencies, and the ability to meet learning requirements at the next level.

Accordingly, learners will not have to relearn content that has already been assessed as meeting the learning outcomes or equivalent competency standards. This is considered a change with significant practical implications, helping to reduce repetition, save time and learning costs, and motivate learners to continue improving their skills throughout their careers.

The recognition of learning outcomes is not limited to completed credits but extends to professional competencies, national vocational skills certificates, professional certifications, professional experience, and other evidence-based competency assessments. This approach aligns with international trends in competency recognition and lifelong learning.

More flexible interoperability but without lowering standards.

Unlike the traditional approach to career progression, which is primarily vertical, moving from lower to higher levels, the new draft allows for the development of more flexible learning pathways, including backward progression, to meet the needs of career change, skill enhancement, and adaptation to the new demands of the labor market.

In particular, for STEM fields, engineering, technology, and national key sectors, the draft creates conditions for educational institutions to apply more flexible mechanisms in admissions, recognition of learning outcomes, and the development of training pathways that match the actual abilities of learners.

However, the key point of the draft is to expand learning opportunities without lowering the output standards and quality of training. Students pursuing further education must still meet all the professional requirements, vocational competencies, and graduation conditions as students in the same training program.

The draft also stipulates that students must complete a minimum percentage of the course load at the degree-granting institution to ensure the institution's accountability and the validity of the diploma.

The draft Circular on articulation training issued by the Ministry of Education and Training is expected to create a significant shift in modernizing Vietnam's articulation system towards greater flexibility and a learner-centered approach.

Enhancing accountability and quality assurance

Another notable point is the draft's strong shift from a "pre-administrative oversight" mindset to "autonomy coupled with accountability." Accordingly, educational institutions are given more autonomy in student admissions, recognition of academic results, and the organization of articulation programs, but at the same time must publicly disclose internal regulations, maintain evidence, ensure verifiability, conduct post-audits, and be accountable for the quality of education.

The draft also requires that interdisciplinary training be conducted within the educational institution's internal quality assurance system and linked to the accreditation of training programs in accordance with the law.

For training programs with specific requirements such as health, teacher training, law, national defense, and security, the draft continues to set strict requirements regarding professional competency standards, practical training, internships, and professional practice conditions to ensure the quality of human resources.

Towards a lifelong learning ecosystem.

Many experts believe that the new draft not only amends regulations on articulation but also lays the foundation for building a lifelong learning ecosystem in Vietnam in the new phase.

In the context of rapidly changing technology, increasingly shorter skill lifecycles, and growing career mobility needs, education is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime event but needs to become a continuous, flexible, and open learning process.

Building a modern, interconnected system that recognizes genuine competence and creates conditions for learners to continue their studies and improve their skills at various stages is considered a necessary step in developing high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of national development in the digital age and knowledge-based economy.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/co-che-hien-dai-hoa-he-thong-hoc-tap-suot-doi-post779664.html