About

Collaboration On Modern(izing) Policies and Systematic Strategies on LLL.

167200-LLP-1-2009-1-BE-KA1-KA1ECETB

The European University Charter on LLL is a set of commitments for Universities and Governments to develop strategies for universities to become key players in a comprehensive and coherent national framework for LLL. It includes commitments to change and innovation both within universities and crucially in the relationships with other providers of Education and Training both formal and non/formal and with other stakeholders such as employers.
The overarching aims of these commitments are:
· To promote more inclusive universities reaching out to an increasingly broad range of learners by providing more flexible and creative learning pathways and environments
· To promote more responsive institutions involved in dialogues and partnerships with other stakeholders and providers so that for learners transitions can be smoother and more transparent.
The Charter is a recent policy initiative published only in July 2008 and the Communique from the Ministers representing countries participating in the Bologna Process dates only from March 2009. It is not yet clear whether or how much these have impacted on the implementation of LLLS at institutional, regional or national level. We know that the Charter has been a subject of much debate and discussion but it is not clear what is happening in respect of engagement with the commitments or actions to review  current practice or develop strategies for implementation. In addition project results like BeFlex and BeFlex+ indicate that there is a stunning variety on LLL activities at HE level, while at the same time only few universities have been engaged integrating LLL into their institutional missions and strategies. More over this, this insufficient constellation is adversely consolidated
through the low commitment of member states concerning LLL in HE in particular (e.g. the Progress reports on Education & Training 2010 national reports on Adult Education Plan).
The rationale for this COMPASS project lies in this gap between the policy making processes at European level and the situation on the ground in universities in their local, regional and national context and presents challenges that will be addressed by the workplan of this project.