How is the learning Validated?
How is the learning validated?
In the development of a
national Planning for Learning process, a
unique and innovative approach to the validation of learning
opportunities in out-of-school-hours settings has been devised with
the support of Professor John MacBeath of the University of
Cambridge.
The Planning for Learning - A
National Framework for Validating Learning document
sets out a rigorous process of self-evaluation and planning
to ensure that the highest quality of learning is provided in all
Children's University learning activities and in all activities
accredited by the CU.
The approach to the
Planning for Learning process is a positive one
and will fit in with the ethos and focus at local Children's
University level. Typically the validation process will take
place between the Learning Destination
designate and local CU representation as part of an
exercise in collaboration to enhance the quality of children's
learning.
Local Children's Universities may want
to prioritise local provision to be validated to their local
CU agenda and capacity and build their pool of
Learning Destinations from there - the
'pebble-in-the-pond' approach. As far as their own learning
provision is concerned, validation in existing local CUs can take
place as and when learning activities occur; typically therefore
all local CU provision should be validated within a 12 month period
from becoming active.
Once the validation process has been
completed and the outcomes agreed, the 'Children's
University Learning Destination
Summary' (from the Planning for Learning
document) will be completed and published on the
national Children's
University website.
Children and parents can then
access a national bank of public Learning
Destinations to visit after school, during
school holidays or weekends. By being able to exercise choice as to
where to use the Passport To Learning
the child will be developing in to a more independent
learner.
Schools and after-school clubs
may also choose to become restricted Learning
Destinations purely for their predetermined CU audience.
Planning for Learning
validators will have been accredited by the national
Children's University following their participation in a
national CU training programme. The training has been designed with
the support of Professor John MacBeath and his team from the
University of Cambridge.
Planning for Learning
validators will be issued with a national Children's
University certificate which entitles them to validate
learning provision locally on behalf of the national CU and
award Learning Destination status.
The certificates are linked to the national membership
status of the local Children's University.
A national register of
Planning for Learning validators by local CU
will be retained by the national Children's University for
quality assurance purposes and to share resources and good
practice.
Useful documents
