TRENDS IN QUALITY ASSURANCE OF FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN IRELAND: FROM LEGISLATIVE REFORMS TO STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Abstract
Relevance of the article lies in the need for a systematic analysis of the evolution of the multi-level structure of Further Education and Training (hereinafter – FET) in Ireland and the leading trends in its quality assurance. This system is complex, as it combines centralized strategic planning and funding with independent external quality control and standard compliance, and decentralized provision of educational services. Such an architecture, formed as a result of large-scale reforms in 2012-2013, is of significant interest to researchers and educational policy developers in Ukraine.
The purpose of the article is to identify and characterize the leading trends in FET quality assurance in Ireland, and to ascertain the possibilities of considering them in improving the quality assurance system of vocational education in Ukraine.
Methods: study of legislative, regulatory, and legal documents, empirical data – to determine the leading trends in FET quality assurance in Ireland; analysis and synthesis, generalization of views on the problem under study – to ascertain the possibilities of considering these trends in improving the quality assurance system of vocational education in Ukraine.
Results: the leading trends in FET quality assurance in Ireland have been identified and characterized (institutionalization of partnership between FET institutions and stakeholders, strengthening the role of Quality and Qualifications Ireland in external FET quality assessment, orientation towards learning outcomes and professional competencies, digitalization of FET quality management processes); a number of recommendations for improving the Ukrainian vocational education quality assurance system have been formulated.
Conclusions. Legislative reforms in the FET system initiated a strategic restructuring of its architecture and quality improvement. The establishment of institutions for centralized coordination of FET quality assurance and the implementation of the National Framework of Qualifications made it possible to form a unified system for recognizing qualifications, monitoring, and accrediting educational programs and FET institutions. Thanks to this, Ireland remains competitive in the global educational and professional environment, and graduates of FET institutions gain opportunities for career growth and international mobility. Ireland's experience is relevant for implementation in Ukraine: an integrated quality management model for vocational education; a results-oriented approach to vocational training of specialists; institutionalization of partnerships between vocational education institutions and stakeholders; digital tools for monitoring and evaluating the quality of vocational education, etc.
Keywords
further education, vocational training, Ireland, leading trends, quality management system, SOLAS, ETBs
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