UAE University hosts “Qualifications Framework and Higher Education Outcome” workshop

The “UAE University” in “Al Ain” City hosted a workshop under the title “UAE’s Qualifications Framework, QFEmirates”, which is organized by the “National Qualifications Authority”, with the participation of more than (150) experts and academics from different universities and national and international research and accreditation institutions.

The workshop aims to identify the framework and the concept of learning outcome as it is considered a foundation for developing the qualifications issued by the different  sectors of general and higher education, professional education, and training, and out of the keenness of the authority to spread its experience in the development of qualifications as per the requirements of the “National Qualifications Framework”, in which it is required to meet the requirements of the labor market with all its sectors.

The Authority during the workshop showed the nature of the challenges that might face the process of implementation of  “National Qualifications Framework”, as it is the case with all related international practices, such as the transfer from the concept of learning outcome to the concept of real competency that can be gained by the individual by the end of the training course or educational or training program, as well as the implementation and development of the policy of recognizing learning and previous experiences, so as to be consistent with the other international systems.

Ms. “Noorah Al Matroushi” , Director of the “Qualification Framework Department” at the Authority, said that the implementation of the “National Qualifications Framework” by educational and training institutions means that the learner is the axis of the training and education process and not the teacher, and the other goal is to achieve the learning outcome gained by the learner from the training or educational program, and not the goals of the program that seem distinguished on papers, and yet, inapplicable.

His Highness Sheikh “Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum”, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of “Dubai”, adopted a decision last year concerning the “National Qualification Framework” which represents the first national tool to classify all qualifications of education with its three sectors: general education, higher education, and technical and professional training, in the State. It is worth mentioning that the “UAE Qualifications Framework” or what is called the “Qualifications Frame” includes (10) ascending levels, each of which represent an integrated  detailed description of the five learning foundations, which are : knowledge, skills, and the three representations of efficiency: independency, responsibility, self-development, and interaction with the work environment.

The launch of this framework comes in line with the “UAE Vision” that aims to shift to a knowledge-based economy which is based on citizens armed with science and knowledge.