Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager addressing the delegates
Group Photo of delegates with MQC Management outside MQC
Participants:
Mr Martin Fowler, GM Marketing and Communication, Cognition Education;
Ms Jo Mullins, GM Business Development, Cognition Education
Study Visit coordinated by - Ms Brigitte Tanti, Manager, Malta Enterprise
The objective of this visit was to explore the processes used in Malta in setting up the Malta Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning and in finalising the Referencing Report of the MQF to the EQF and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area. The visit is part of the Malta Qualifications Council consultation process to test the MQF at national and international levels.
The meeting commenced at 9.30 and ended at 11.30. The meeting was held at the premises of the Malta Qualifications Council.
Speakers
Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC
Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager, MQC
Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager MQC
The two delegates were presented with printed material about the Malta Qualifications Council and the Malta Qualifications Framework. This material included -
- Malta Qualifications Framework 2010 - A quick glance at the Level Descriptors of the Malta Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning
- MQRIC leaflet
- MQC's Leaflet containing the Malta Qualifications Framework
- INLearning Leaflet, Bookmark and Sticker
- MQC's Annual Report November 2008 - December 2009
Introduction by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC
Dr James Calleja welcomed the delegates to MQC and briefed the delegates about the process which will eventually lead to the new Qualifications Act. This Act is still in draft form and at present is being discussed at Ministerial level. Dr Calleja also explained the two new Acts which will cover the areas of the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE) which covers compulsory education and the second Act which will include all further and Higher Education. Dr Calleja explained about the integration of MQC and the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE) into one Agency.
As of October 2009 Higher Education in Malta also incorporated Vocational Qualifications. Dr Calleja spoke about the process of Level Rating Qualifications and the work involved in the Referencing of the National Qualifications Framework to the European Qualifications Framework. MQC has already finalised the first part of this process which was to compile and present the Referencing Report to the Commission. The next stage is the implementation of the Referencing Report.
Dr Calleja spoke about the alignment of ISCED with the Malta Qualifications Framework. The Framework of Qualifications is a development on ISCED.
The next point which was mentioned was the issue of validating informal and non-formal learning. MQC is currently working hand-in-hand with the ETC to work on the process of transforming trade-testing into a qualification which will enter the Malta Qualifications Framework.
The main challenge for HE institutions is to redesign courses with a LO approach. By 2012 all the courses at the University of Mata have to be redesigned in this manner. By this date also all certifications have to carry a NQF level.
Presentation by Ms Doris Mangion, Senior Manager, MQC
Ms Doris Mangion gave a detailed presentation about the National Qualifications Framework. Ms Mangion emphasised the fact that qualifications in the MQF are by Exit Points and not by Entry Points. Her presentation then moved on to the four different sections of the Referencing Report and what each section is constituted of.
Ms Mangion also explained the process which followed the launch of the Referencing Report to include consultation with all stakeholders involved.
Questions by Dr James Calleja, Chief Executive, MQC
Dr James Calleja asked the delegates about the link between Malta's Qualifications Framework and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework especially vis-à-vis the ISCED levels. Dr Calleja also asked whether the delegates can provide any contacts in New Zealand so that MQC can approach them to discuss this issue in greater depth.
Dr Calleja also briefed the delegates about the 26 Regulated Professions in Malta and MQC's relationship with the Designated Authorities. MQC wishes to foster a more active role for competent authorities. Ultimately decisions on qualifications should not be taken solely by the Private Training Providers, although they are the ones designing and offering the qualification. Industry should also be involved.
Ms Jo Mullins took note of this request and on her return to New Zealand she will be in contact with MQC to provide the Contact Details requested.
Dr James Calleja also asked about the issue of giving qualifications to people who are intellectually challenged and the problem of where to peg those qualifications in the Framework.
Dr Calleja also asked whether there is a separate framework for such qualifications in New Zealand. Dr Calleja explained his view on having one framework for all.
Ms Mullins explained that in New Zealand there is no distinction in such qualifications and that all qualifications are integrated into one Framework of Qualifications. On the actual qualification there is an indication of the help provided to the student such as if he required an aide or a reader/writer however once the qualification is obtained there is no distinction.
Ms Mullins also spoke in favour of having one Framework of Qualifications as there is a strong policy of integration in New Zealand.
Presentation by Mr Richard Curmi, Senior Manager MQC
Mr Richard Curmi briefed the delegates about the work involved in the validation of informal and non-formal learning. Mr Curmi also spoke about MQC's work to integrate people with mental disabilities into the National Qualifications Framework.
Mr Curmi spoke about the NQF-Inclusive Project and the INLearning project and the deliverables of both these projects. Special emphasis was placed on the documentation of all learning on a pen-drive, the portfolio method and the Life-Pass.
Conclusion
This meeting was fruitful to consolidate the links between Malta's National Qualifications Framework and the New Zealand Qualifications Framework as depicted in MQC's Referencing Report. So far the link between these two Frameworks has not been challenged and there was very little feedback, so such a meeting could help spur further discussion on this issue.
The discussion about the area of qualifications obtained by people with intellectual challenges was also beneficial to MQC as the ground-work in this area has already been established in New Zealand.
The meeting was a great opportunity for MQC to present the work and outline its capacity in what it has achieved so far in the areas of quality assurance, recognition transparency and the validation of informal and non-formal learning.
Acronyms used -
DGSE- Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education
ETC- Employment and Training Corporation
HE- Higher Education
LO- Learning Outcomes
MQC - Malta Qualifications Council
MQF- Malta Qualifications Framework
MQRIC - Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre
NCHE- National Commission for Higher Education