EGM 30 download.pdf - European Federation of Geologists

Learning outcomes and skill levelsfor qualification as a ProfessionalGeologistby David Norbury 1Euro-AgesThe primary aim of the Euro-Agesproject is the development of a Europeanlevel qualification framework forgeology based on learning outcomes.In this context, learning outcomesare defined as statements of what alearner is expected to know, to understandand/or be able to demonstrate.The expectation of the level of learningor ability that a student should be ableto demonstrate will increase throughthe gathering of training and experienceuntil such time as they apply forthe award of a professional title.Le premier objectif du Projet Euro-Ages est le développement d’un cadreeuropéen de travail concernant leniveau de qualification en géologiebasé sur les compétences acquises.Dans ce contexte, ces compétencessont définies comme le niveau de connaissancesqu’un étudiant doit posséder,comprendre et être à mêmed’utiliser pratiquement. Le niveau deconnaissances acquises et la capacitéde l’étudiant à les utiliser représententune forte attente qui augmenteraconjointement avec son niveau de formationet son expérience jusqu’à cequ’ils lui permettent d’obtenir un titreprofessionnel.El objetivo principal del proyecto Euro-Ages es el desarrollo de un marco derequisitos mínimos para la formaciónen geología, basado en los resultadosdel aprendizaje. En este contexto losresultados del aprendizaje se definencomo aquellos conocimientos que seespera que un estudiante aprenda,entienda o sea capaz de demostrarque sabe. Las expectativas del nivelde aprendizaje o de habilidad que unestudiante sea capaz de demostraraumentará a medida que va adquiriendoformación y experiencia hastaque pueda llegar a solicitar un títuloprofesional.The learning outcomes identified inthe programme have been definedelsewhere (see Fernandez, I. andNorbury, D., this magazine, p. 14) andrepresent quality standards for competencies,skills and knowledge. Graduates of anaccredited course at first or second cycleprogramme level (Bachelor and Masterslevel respectively) would be expected tohave achieved initial levels of ability fromtheir academic training and studies as thebasis for starting to practise geology professionally.This paper describes the learning outcomelevel that would be expected whenstudents have gained sufficient professionalpost-graduation experience and areready to submit their combined trainingand experience profile for validation bytheir peers, in other words to apply for theprofessional title of European Geologist(EurGeol.) or similar in their own country.Attainment levelsFour levels of attainment are generallyidentified which have to be demonstrated1Chairman, EFG Registration Authorityfor the geologist to progress from one cycleto the next. These are given in Table 1.In general terms, the graduate at firstcycle level is expected to be able to demonstrateAppreciation or Knowledge in alllearning outcome categories. The secondcycle graduate will have progressed to ademonstration of Knowledge or Experiencein nearly all categories. The applicantfor a professional title will be expected todisplay Ability in all categories, as outlinedin Table 2. This will normally require anabsolute minimum of three years postgraduateprofessional experience and morewill usually be required, notwithstandingthe length of the academic training, inorder that the applicant will have beenable to gather sufficient experience to beable to demonstrate this depth and breadthof Ability.Learning outcomesThe requisite learning outcomes identifiedwithin the project are ranged under fourcategories as shown in Table 2 which alsoidentifies the relevant professional qualificationcriteria levels which are discussedbelow.Professional qualification criteriaThe demonstration of Ability in all of theselearning outcomes will be assessed by theSymbol Title ExplanationAp Appreciation Awareness and general understanding of a subject or anappreciation as to how to undertake an activityKn Knowledge Knowing how to undertake an activity using observationand recall of informationEx Experience A depth of knowledge of a subject or activity sufficient toenable it to be actually undertaken although generallyunder supervisionAb Ability A sound knowledge of a subject or activity actuallyundertaken without supervision; ability to direct others inthe activityTable 1 Levels of attainmentEuropean Geologist 3019