Recognizing prior learning in vocational education and training: global ambitions and actual implementation in four countries. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maurer, Markus
• Is Part Of: Comparative education. Number 59:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Vocational education and training -- skills development -- recognition of prior learning -- institutionalism -- policy diffusion; 职业教育与培训 -- 技能发展 -- 过往资历认可 -- 制度主义 -- 政策扩散; Education -- Periodicals; Comparative education -- Periodicals; 370.9
• DOI: 10.1080/03050068.2022.2132445
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0068

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article contributes to a better theoretical understanding of the social processes underlying the development and implementation of schemes to improve the recognition of prior learning (RPL) in vocational education and training (VET). It traces the global diffusion of RPL, and then analyses the formulation of RPL policies and design and implementation of RPL schemes in four case study countries (Bangladesh, North-Macedonia, Sweden and Switzerland). The article draws on historical institutionalism and Margaret Archer's work on educational change to argue that the design and implementation of RPL schemes are strongly dependent on the status of VET qualifications in education systems and labour markets.