As part of NQF-IN project activities national seminar Workshop on validation of non-formal and informal learning (Radionica o vrednovanja neformalnog i informalnog učenja) was held at The University of Split, March 2nd, 2018.
The aim of the workshop was to foster dialogue among scientists, especially young researchers, the University of Split and other interested institutions and individuals on different forms of learning, the role and stages of validation of non-formal and informal learning, future activities and new opportunities in this domain. The seminar was attended by over 15 persons representing above mentioned groups.
The seminar was held by Prof. Dr. Mile Dželalija and Dr. Ivana Carev:
They introduced the NQF-IN project with context about the project, previous activities and future plans, dissemination of project results. They also presented examples of different forms of learning and their benefits. This part was followed by the discussion on the role and phases of validation of non-formal and informal learning and possible future activities at the University of Split, with a focus on young researchers.
Discussion was very interactive, participants were interested and already involved in various forms of learning. Most of the participants were from higher education system and the discussion was focused on the topics connected with HEI and non-formal and informal learning. The discussion was held about the competences and skills students need to develop in their own interests to become more skilled professionals after they finish their university studies. The numerous competences were listed: communication skills, troubleshooting skills, soft skills, management skills, design and production of a specific product, literacy in new media, managing understanding and cognitions, multicultural competence, download the initiative, cooperation in virtual teams, notice the opportunity, creativity, planning and management, financial literacy and other.
As each of the courses at University is focused on their specialties, students need more opportunities for learning and developing other skills they need for future, both in their professional and private life. Lifelong learning is a process that should be supported already at the University level offering to students opportunities for achievement of different and interdisciplinary skills and competences. The ways of learning can be non-formal or informal. The non-formal and informal learning should provide to students the learning processes with greater competitiveness in relation to the labour market, giving them chance to develop a completely new result, such as project or a company, that would not have happened without that learning, some new innovative solutions that will enable them to self-employment, to network.
Participants agreed on the potentials for further development of activities on different forms of learning focusing to young researchers, the role and stages of validation of non-formal and informal learning and were open to a future opportunities on these topics.
It has been agreed to develop draft programmes of regular common learning activities with young researchers. The programmes will be discussed with all participants and other young researchers.