Using the national qualifications framework to develop the basic skills of adults in Ireland

Abstract

This article presents a  systemic approach to developing basic skills in Ireland. Non-formal adult education is based on mechanisms and tools supporting lifelong learning that have been in place in Ireland for several years and are set out in national legislation. These include developing and incorporating into the system the qualifications which involve basic skills, using the language of learning outcomes, offering learners the opportunity to take advantage of the validation of learning outcomes and thus to obtain qualifications referenced to the Irish Qualifications Framework. The article presents the activity of the non-governmental organisation National Adult Learning Agency (NALA) which was brought to life in order to support adults with low levels of basic skills. This section presents the innovative activities of the organisation, such as their system of educational support over the telephone, the online validation of learning outcomes, a guide for employees of labour offices, or the Internet platform for parents preparing them to support their children in the learning process. The next part of the article is devoted to issues related to the inclusion of basic skills in the qualifications referenced to the Irish Qualifications Framework. It presents examples of qualifications encompassing literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and social competences. The authors show that a national qualifications framework can be successfully used as a support for activities aimed at improving basic skills of adults. A qualifications framework organises, unifies, and establishes a clear system which can be very important to learners who are seeking appropriate support. It allows uniform assessment criteria to be applied to all individuals, while ensuring the quality of the services.