The Recognition of Non-formal and Informal Learning in Australia: Country Background Report

Abstract

This document provides an Australian Country Background Report (CBR) to support the OECD Education Committee activity entitled Recognition of Non-formal and Informal Learning. It specifically addresses issues relating to the way in which non-formal and informal learning is recognised in order to: • create pathways to accredited training; • accumulate credit in the formal education sector; and • accelerate employment advancement. Information presented in the document includes contextual factors, institutional and technical arrangements, stakeholder behaviour, case studies on benefits and barriers, and conclusions and challenges. The specific purposes of the report are to: 1. synthesise Australian research and analyse current policies and practices relating to the recognition of non-formal and informal learning; 2. examine the impact of contextual factors on recognition systems; 3. identify and describe existing institutional and technical arrangements for the recognition of non-formal and informal learning in Australia; 4. collect evidence of the benefits, barriers, strengths and weaknesses with the current systems and data relating to recognition; and 5. identify innovative and successful policy initiatives and practices.