Abu Dhabi, 3 March 2014: The National Qualifications Authority delivered a workshop, The QFEmirates: Achieving the benefits for nations and learners, to over 150 delegates who recently attended the 5th MENA-AIR 2014 conference at UAE University in Al Ain.
Higher education representatives from various countries shared their experiences about developing instructional practices compatible with their respective national qualifications frameworks, reformulating study programmes to learning outcome-based approach, and supporting policies for recognition of prior learning.
"The introduction of national qualifications frameworks means that institutions are now required to move from measuring and recording what the teachers teach in the classroom, to measuring what the students learn and can do when they complete their studies.", said Mrs. Nourah Almatrooshi, Director of the Qualifications Framework Department at the National Qualifications Authority.
"We were very pleased that participants openly discussed their experiences of moving to outcomes-based education, the issues they face, and the time and resources needed to accomplish this transition", said Mrs. Nourah Almatrooshi.
The workshop delivered by staff from the National Qualifications Authority explained how the UAE's National Qualifications Framework (QFEmirates) is a unified and single system and reference point for all qualifications in the country. The Framework defines what students should achieve at any level of study from High School to Doctorate. The Framework covers school education, vocational education and training, and higher education as well as all forms of learning. Citizens and residents will also benefit from having their unrecognised skills and knowledge assessed against a qualification or award.
The workshop explored how the QFEmirates is leading to changes in UAE's higher education and vocational training sectors. Institutions are changing their practices by adapting their teaching and assessment methods to outcome-based education and training. They are now required to gather evidence that shows programs are contributing to the knowledge, skills and competencies required by graduates and employers.
"Experienced educators from institutions in the UAE shared with participants from other countries the practical strategies they are using to align their study programs to the QFEmirates", said Mrs. Nourah Almatrooshi.
For further information, contact Mrs. Nourah Almatrooshi, Director of the Qualifications Framework Department at the National Qualifications Authority, nourah.almatrooshi@nqa.gov.ae or 971 (0) 2 8156626.
About the NQA:
On the 23 August 2010, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, issued a Federal Degree to establish UAE's National Qualifications Authority (NQA).
The Authority is coordinating with related entities the establishment and implementation of a single, coherent, integrated and internationally recognised qualifications system for the UAE, which includes a national qualifications framework and a range of quality assurance processes.
The Authority is also reinforcing the links between learning outcomes and the labour market; developing recognition of prior learning (RPL) policies; licensing vocational education and training programs and institutions; setting standards for the accreditation of qualifications; facilitating the transfer of individuals between the general, higher and vocational education and training pathways; and supporting the concept of lifelong learning through the recognition of learning outcomes of each individual in the society.
© Press Release 2014
