The 7th meeting of the expert group on interregional credit transfer mechanisms and learning outcome systems took place on the 4th and 5th of November 2019 in Lyon, France. Hosted by the University of Lyon, the meeting brought together Higher Education experts, stakeholders and representatives of ASEM partner countries working on these topics.
The Expert Group continued its work of the past few months and peer reviewed the contributions made by countries to the ASEM Higher Education online compendium. Countries have been encouraged to send information in a template to the group, which is then reviewed and included in this compendium. This online compendium is a tool, currently in development, which will contain information about Higher Education systems in ASEM countries. The added value of the online tool is its focus on credit systems and learning outcomes, as well as serving as a reference source that bridges Europe and Asia. The Expert Group reviewed the draft online tool, developed by the ASEM education secretariat, and offered some feedback on its further development and ease-of-use.
The Expert Group proceeded to discuss the concrete needs concerning grading tables and grading cultures in Europe and Asia. Ensuring a fair conversion of grades, that is acceptable to all countries and institutions remains one of the biggest challenges when transferring credits. Furthermore, the group identified the lack of guidelines on how to do so, as a key issue that needs to be addressed. The members decided to prepare a set of general recommendations or principles on how to ensure acceptable conversions, which can be communicated to the ASEM community in general and to the Ministers in particular. Such a set of recommendations will also be linked to the need for transparency within accreditation systems, another topic the group agreed should be emphasized.
The expert group also explored the possibilities of collaboration amongst themselves and with a wider audience through various conferences and fora. It was discussed how their working programme overlaps with other international education conventions and how the group can develop a means to apply and implement such international principles on a regional level. ASEM can be an example with regards to regional conventions and collaboration, the group agreed.
- For more information on the meeting, please click here
- For more information on the group, please click here.
