ERIC Number: ED617228
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 15
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Flexible Learning Pathways in Finnish Higher Education. IIEP Country Note. No. 2
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning
Social demand for higher education has more than doubled in the past 20 years. However, only one-third of all countries' higher education systems are enrolling more than 50% of the traditional age cohort. Despite major advancements in achieving higher levels of access and participation, inequalities and inequities in higher education persist and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) launched the "SDG 4 Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education" project in 2018 to support efforts to promote equity and lifelong learning opportunities for all by investing in flexible higher education systems. The project has identified policies and practices that support flexible learning pathways (FLPs) in higher education for a variety of students. The UNESCO definition of FLPs encompasses "entry points and re-entry points at all ages and all educational levels, strengthened links between formal and non-formal structures, and recognition, validation and accreditation of the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired through non-formal and informal education." In collaboration with IIEP, the Finnish research team carried out an in-depth case study of policies and practices that support FLPs in Finland. In late 2019, the team conducted interviews and focus group discussions with 43 respondents representing two higher education institutions, a university, and a university of applied sciences (UAS) from different regions in Finland. The interview analysis was complemented by a review of relevant national projects, legislative documents, and national statistical databases. This Country Note reflects key findings and conclusions of "Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education: Finland's Country Case Study for the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO) SDG4 Project in 2018-2021."
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Higher Education, Flexible Progression, Educational Policy, Access to Education, Equal Education, Articulation (Education), Secondary Education, Governance, College Administration, Educational Finance, Financial Support, Quality Assurance, College Admission, College Transfer Students, Prior Learning, Recognition (Achievement), Transfer Policy, Online Courses, College Curriculum, Employment Potential, Guidance
UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning. 7-9, rue Eugène Delacroix, 75116 Paris, France. Tel: +33-0-1-45-03-77-00; Fax: +33-00-1-40-72-83-66; e-mail: info@iiep.unesco.org; Web site: http://www.iiep.unesco.org/en
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (France), International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A