Search Results

Although the organisation and content of education and training systems are entirely their responsibility, Member States increasingly acknowledge the benefits of policy cooperation with European Union partners to address common challenges in these fields. The quality of education and training, and with it the quality of teacher education, are high on the policy agenda in all the countries of the European Union. The purpose of this handbook is to offer practical and reasonable advice for policymakers wishing to introduce, or to make more effective, a system of induction for new teachers.

Edited excerpt from publication. Show less

The quality of human capital is crucial for Europe's success. The Europe 2020 Strategy puts a strong emphasis on education and training to promote 'smart, sustainable and inclusive growth'. This Communication responds to the call of the Europe 2020 Strategy to reinforce the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET) and maps out its potential with respect to the Flagship Initiatives 'An Agenda for new skills and jobs' and 'Youth on the Move', including its Youth employment framework. VET must play a dual role: as a tool to help meet Europe's immediate and future skills needs; and, in parallel, to reduce the social impact of and facilitate recovery from the crisis. These twin challenges call for urgent reforms.

Excerpt from publication. Show less

This report contends that Europe is in transformation and that the crisis has wiped away years of economic and social progress and exposed the weaknesses in the economy leading to need to collectively, as the European Union (EU), take charge of the future. Europe 2020 revolves around three interconnected priorities: (1) smart growth (developing a knowledge and innovation based economy); (2) sustainable growth (promoting resource efficiency and competitiveness in a greener economy); and (3) inclusive growth (fostering social and territorial cohesion in a high-employment economy). The report describes a number of headline targets, including: (1) 75 per cent of work-able people to be employed; (2) three per cent of the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) should be invested in research and development; (3) early school leavers should number no more than 10 per cent and at least 40 per cent of the younger generation should have a tertiary degree; and (4) 20 million fewer people should be at risk of poverty. A list of initiatives are given to help member states deliver the 2020 goals. These initiatives are divided into EU level actions and Member State actions. The report gives a strategy for exit from the current crisis in pursuance of its long-term goals. The report concludes with a list of decisions to be made at the European Council’s spring meeting for 2010. Show less

This report responds to the challenges associated with the provision of language skills for the European labour market. It calls for a sharpened focus on employment-related aspects of language learning. The aim is to provide input for the current discussions at national and European levels on modernising education systems and quality assurance built on learning outcomes. The main challenge is for language teaching to become learner-focused, and better geared to professional contexts and the needs of the jobs market. This, in turn, will improve learner motivation and the successful taking up and use of available opportunities. This will benefit not only learners but those seeking to employ people who are well-trained and properly qualified to assume their professional responsibilities.

Excerpts from publication. Show less

This report presents an overview of the higher education system in Syria. It covers: major characteristics of tertiary education in the country; types of tertiary education programmes and qualifications; distribution of responsibilities; governing bodies of the higher education institutions; financing; students' contributions and financial support; licensing, quality assurance and accreditation of institutions and/or programmes; organisation of the academic year; curriculum content; assessment, progression, certification and degree; academic staff; research activities; and university-enterprise cooperation. It also presents information about current challenges and needs and Syria's higher education system in relation to the Bologna Process and participation in European Union programmes (Tempus and Erasmus Mundus).

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

A skilled workforce is an essential asset in developing a competitive, sustainable and innovative economy in line with Europe 2020 goals. In times of budgetary constraints and unprecedented global competitive pressures, European Union (EU) employment and skills policies that help shape the transition to a green, smart and innovative economy must be a matter of priority. The EU has agreed on an employment rate target for women and men of 75 per cent for the 20-64 years age group by 2020, an ambitious commitment to the sustainability of Europe’s social model, welfare systems, economic growth and public finances. This Agenda is a flagship initiative in the Europe 2020 strategy. It suggests that the EU can meet all the challenges and raise employment rates substantially, particularly for women and young and older workers, but only with resolute action focusing on four key priorities: (1) better functioning labour markets; (2) a more skilled workforce; (3) better job quality and working conditions; and (4) stronger policies to promote job creation and demand for labour. The Commission will revise the Agenda’s priorities in 2014. Show less

The Bruges Communique is the latest revision of the Copenhagen Process for European co-operation on vocational education and training. Adopted on 7 December 2010 by the Education Ministers from 33 European countries (EU-27, Croatia, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey), together with representatives of employers and unions and the European Commission, it is a package of objectives and actions to increase the quality of vocational training in Europe by making it more accessible and relevant to the needs of the labour market.

Edited excerpts from publisher's website. Show less