CARICOM Qualifications Framework - collegesinstitutes.ca

1 CARICOM Qualifications Framework 1. Rationale: Guided by Articles and 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Caribbean Community ( CARICOM ) is expected to establish the appropriate legislative, administrative and procedural arrangements to give effect to the free movement of labour and recognition of Diplomas, Certificates, and other Evidence of Qualifications . 2. Philosophical Underpinnings: The CARICOM Qualifications Framework (CQF) is informed by the principles of the Ideal Caribbean citizen' who is expected to demonstrate that he/she is psychologically secure;. value differences based on gender, ethnicity, religion and other forms of diversity as sources of strength and richness; be environmentally astute; be responsible and accountable to family and community; have a strong work ethic; be ingenious and entrepreneurial; have a conversant respect for the cultural heritage; exhibit multiple literacies, independent and critical thinking to the application of science and technology to problem solving; and embrace differences and similarities between females and males.

2 The CQF seeks to provide a broad Framework within which these characteristics will inform the development of learning outcomes and assessment strategies at all levels of education and training systems throughout the Community. 3. Overview: The CQF has five characteristics and provides eight generic level descriptors that act as a reference point for determining expectations of achievements and abilities associated with Qualifications that represent outcomes at each level. They are intended as a guide for CARICOM Member States to translate these at the national level into precise or comprehensive statements of required learning for the award of Qualifications .

3 Within the CARICOM region, therefore, Qualifications will be more clearly understandable and translatable between Member States. This will assist learners and workers wishing to move between countries, change jobs or move between educational institutions. It will also assist employers and education and training providers to more reliably compare individual Qualifications from different countries and education and training systems. 4. Purpose and Scope: Although the design and structure of most national Qualifications frameworks may be similar, the principles and understandings that underpin their interpretations and operational practices are nuanced.

4 This can hinder the determination of comparability and/or equivalence of Qualifications across various national education and training systems. The CQF, therefore, functions as a translation device to link the participating CARICOM . Member States' Qualifications Frameworks where they currently exist. Other countries may find it useful to align their national frameworks to the CQF. CARICOM Qualifications Framework Workshop July 11 13, 2012 Page 1 of 16. The CQF facilitates the benchmarking of CARICOM Qualifications against international standards in particular, European, Scottish, British and Australian frameworks.

5 The CQF covers the span of Qualifications recognising the most elementary of competencies and performance to those awarded at the highest level of academic and professional or vocational education and training as well as experiential learning. Each level should is informed by learning outcomes that can support a variety of education and career paths. The CQF is a collaborative arrangement between CARICOM Member States. For the CARICOM region, there are common elements among national Qualifications systems that will facilitate the articulation of Qualifications between the various systems. It will act as a translation device across national Qualifications frameworks; facilitate the recognition of regional and international Qualifications ; act as a national Qualifications Framework for those that choose to adopt it as their national Qualifications Framework ; and provide a foundation for quality assured Qualifications in the CARICOM region.

6 5. Objectives: The objectives of the CQF are to provide an enabling and flexible Framework that serves to: 1. Establish a continuum of learning outcomes for education and training at all levels. 2. Create and support opportunities for engaging in lifelong learning. 3. Facilitate the recognition of informal and non-formal learning. 4. Improve access and clearly define progression routes to all levels of education and training. 5. Facilitate comparison of Qualifications between countries in the region. 6. Promote intra-regional mobility of labour and students in the furtherance of the objectives of the CSME.

7 7. Enhance transparency of national Qualifications systems aligned to the regional Framework . 8. Create greater potential for international recognition of national Qualifications aligned to the regional Framework . 9. Support a better match between the needs of the labour market and education and training providers. 10. Improve quality, portability and articulation of national and regional Qualifications . 6. Levels The CQF reflects the fundamentals of the CARICOM education system. The levels are progressive - starting with the least demanding to the most demanding. The level descriptors allow broad comparisons to be made between learning and Qualifications achieved in different contexts.

8 Thus, the level descriptors are generic reference statements that describe the characteristics, context and expected level of demand at each level of the Framework . The Framework supports the design and development of Qualifications and learning programmes, recognition of prior learning, and provides guidance and information on opportunities for learner progression. CARICOM Qualifications Framework Workshop July 11 13, 2012 Page 2 of 16. The CQF uses eight levels based on learning outcomes (defined in terms of knowledge and understanding; application and practice; communication, numeracy and ICT; life skills; and autonomy, accountability and working with others).

9 It incorporates the competencies of high school certification to academic and professional doctorates. The entry point is subdivided into two Access Levels with Access Level 2 equivalent to the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). Level 1 is at entry level and the highest level of achievement is Level 8 being at Doctoral level. Consequently, the CQF clarifies the relationship between Qualifications and learning outcomes; identifies entry and exit points, and routes for progression; maximises the opportunities for credit transfer; assists learners to plan their progress; and minimises the duplication of learning.

10 7. Level Descriptors: The section provides a review of the descriptors. a. Knowledge and Understanding In the context of CQF, knowledge and understanding are described as theoretical and/or factual; possessing the ability to recall and present information, including the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of specific facts, concepts, principles, procedures and theories. b. Application and Practice In the context of the CQF, application and practice are described as the cognitive (logical, intuitive, and creative thinking) and practical (manual dexterity and the use of methods, materials, tools and instruments) competencies to achieve results.