APPROACHES TO QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK OF UKRAINE: STANDARDIZATION ISSUES

Abstract

The article presents a study of quality assurance problems of the National Quali­fications System of Ukraine by reforming the domestic standardization system in the context of its integration into the European Qualifications System. In view of this, three components of the quality system were identified, namely, quality of standardization, quality of assessment and quality of documentation. The study is also focused on issues of legal regulation of the quality of professional and educational standards. In particular, differences in the legal regu­lation of educational standards of vocational pre-higher and higher education were identified. A certain legal uncertainty in the use of the terms "learning outcomes" and "competencies" and the inconsistency of the use of these terms with the EU Council Recom­mendations of 2017 and international and national standards were revealed. Along with this, a number of short­comings were found. Particularly, there is an unresolved problem of assigning professional qualifications to the levels of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The need for independent review (expertise) of projects of professional standards was emphasized. The issue of assessment standards was considered. For instance, the lack of such standards poses a threat to the quality of professional qualifications, especially qualifications of levels 2-4 of the NQF of Ukraine, since educational institutions have the right to assign such qualifications, in addition to qualification centers. Examples of corporate assessment standards, in particular, by the American Psychological Association, were considered. It is noted, that the formation of motivation of young people and employees to obtain modern and competitive skills оn the labor market is not enough. The outdated approach to personnel training by providers of educational services also needs to be reviewed. It is shown that the National Qualifications System of Ukraine requires quality assurance tools and the use of terms harmonized with EU legislation and practice.