RECOGNITION OF THE OUTCOMES OF THE NON-FORMAL AND INFORMAL ADULT EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The publication is devoted to the analysis of the problem of recognition of the results of non-formal and informal learning. The conceptual and terminological apparatus of the research is specified. It is justified that recognition of the results of non-formal and informal learning is crucial for the development of society and the economy as a whole, as it contributes to the reduction of unemployment, provides equal access to qualifications obtaining, and is also a tool to help overcome the mismatch of supply and demand for adult skills in the labor market. The theoretical substantiation of the procedure of recognition of the results of non-formal and informal learning based on the analysis of national and foreign experience is carried out. Some aspects of legislative support for the recognition of the results of non-formal and informal learning in foreign and domestic practice are analyzed. The steps of the recognition procedure, its methods and tools are briefly described. It is emphasized that the recognition of the results of non-formal and informal learning is considered in most foreign countries as a component of lifelong learning, regulated at the appropriate legislative level. The stages of the recognition procedure, its methods and tools are analyzed. The potential and importance of validation of the results of non-formal and informal learning in various fields of activity are revealed. The areas of application of recognition of results of non-formal and informal learning are outlined. There has been focused on the experience of using a formal educational environment to test, validate the results of acquired knowledge, skills through non-formal and informal learning. The role of the public («third») sector in facilitating the validation of non-formal and informal adult learning is emphasized. The expediency of developing a national strategy for recognizing the results of non-formal and informal learning is substantiated.

Key words: adult education, non-formal learning, informal learning, learning outcomes, recognition of learning outcomes, validation, identification, documentation, certification.