Extracts from the Qualifications Framework Emirates ... - CAA

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elevant accreditation/awarding body, which can be achieved by a learner." This understandingdiffers from the existing common approach that a qualification is based on participation andtime-spent on a course or programme.The Framework of ten (10) levels also provides the basis for comparisons of UAEqualifications with other national and international qualifications. It includes alignmentsbetween qualifications systems in the UAE and the qualifications and certification systems ofother countries as well as between the QFEmirates and meta-frameworks such as theEuropean Qualifications Framework (EQF), the emerging Arab Qualifications Framework andthe Framework of Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA, or 'Bologna'Framework).The key drivers underpinning the introduction of a national qualifications framework andrelated systems are as follows:KEY DRIVERS OF THE QFEMIRATES AND RELATED SYSTEMSA single frameworkAll educational institutions in the UAE will benefit from the establishment of a unified andsingular system and reference point for all national qualifications. The establishment of asingle framework will facilitate the work of the country’s decision makers in developingrelevant strategic educational and training policies and directions.A common benchmarkFormulating a single set of outcomes-based criteria and adopting common nomenclaturewill add structure and order to the current system that is comprised of a wide variety ofvaried qualifications currently offered by educational institutions in the UAE. Developing acommon language to designate levels of learning enhances communication amongeducational institutions and the communities they serve.Qualifications flexibilityOne of the goals of the NQA in establishing the framework is to ensure that thequalifications have the flexibility to accommodate changing technologies and changingworkplace environments. (See “Common Benchmark” above.)Labour marketA focus on establishing commonly understood language to designate levels of learning canbetter enable representatives of industry, government, and educational institutions to planprograms that prepare individuals for employment in areas where there are shortages ofskilled employees.3 Emirates Handbook and Implementation of QFEmirates in Higher Education
Quality and consistencyA well-developed framework will address the need for improved and transparentmechanisms for assuring the quality, consistency and rigour in the delivery of educationalprograms.Mobility and portabilityThe qualifications are also designed to enhance learner mobility, not only in the UAE, butinternationally by ensuring that qualifications are portable.Lifelong learningWe live in a knowledge-based society that requires all people to engage in lifelong learning.A qualifications framework will enable the government, industry, and educational institutionsto develop more transparent mechanisms for recognizing and awarding credit for bothformal and non-formal learning.The CAA is currently collaborating with the NQA in the development of draft‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ (RPL) guidelines for institutions. CAA Standardsrequire institutions seeking to award credit for prior learning to have policies andprocedures approved by the Commission (See Standards, Sections 3.1.7 and 5.6.DESIGN OF THE QFEMIRATESDesign of the QFEmirates is based on three features:1. Number of levelsEach level represents a hierarchy of relative difficulty, complexity and depth. The higherthe qualifications framework level, the greater the challenge and the demand expectedof a learner in order to be awarded the relevant qualification.2. Range of learning outcomes at each level with learning outcomes beingdescribed in terms of knowledge, skill and competenceUsing learning outcomes as the common language in the design of qualificationsframeworks makes it easier for international alignments, and also enhances portabilityand mobility of individual qualification holders. Each of these unique learning outcometerms is defined in statements of knowledge, skill and competence. They are assembledin vertical strands for each framework level. The use of strands of learning outcomes andlevels in a qualifications framework helps improve the hierarchical and distinguishingcharacteristics applicable between levels as well as within a level. It provides thosedesigning qualifications with a finely drawn vertical and horizontal structure (grid) tofacilitate easy alignment.Emirates Handbook and Implementation of QFEmirates in Higher Education4
Page 1 and 2: Extracts from the Qualifications Fr
Page 3 and 4: FOREWORDThis brief document is base
Page 5 and 6: Table of ContentsDevelopment Backgr
Page 7: The National Qualifications Authori
Page 11 and 12: Alignment of QFEmirates with Europe
Page 13 and 14: specific title is one that amplifie
Page 15 and 16: Accreditation/awarding bodies manag
Page 17 and 18: developing first level responses to
Page 19 and 20: The institution will issue the qual
Page 21 and 22: Diploma/Associate Degree as transfe
Page 23 and 24: high school certificates or lower l
Page 25 and 26: IMPLEMENTATION AND TRANSITION ARRAN
Page 27 and 28: Level Knowledge Skill Aspects of Co
Page 33 and 34: LevelSummary Level DescriptorsLearn

Extracts from the Qualifications Framework Emirates ... - CAA

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