HERC hosts Indonesian Study Visit to Ireland and England
HERC is hosting an Indonesian Study Visit to Ireland and England, May 9th – 16th, to support the development of an Indonesian Framework of Qualifications. HERC director Professor Maria Slowey welcomed the Indonesian delegation (see below) and will oversee a busy programme of events.
On Monday 11th, the group met with representatives of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the Irish Universities Association (IUA). Dr Padraig Walsh, Chief Executive of QQI and President of European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), provided a detailed overview of the Irish National Qualifications Framework including its development and current remit. In particular, he highlighted how vocational and academic qualifications are mapped on the Framework. Ms Niamh Lenehan, Manager of Qualifications Recognition, explained the functions of the Irish ENIC-NARIC Centre and its process of international academic recognition. She also introduced the group to the QQI website highlighting is information provision and facilitates for consultation and transparency.
In his presentation, Dr Bryan Maguire, Head of Qualifications Services of QQI, discussed detailed examples of how the NQF works in practice with particular reference to recognition of prior learning (RPL). Margaret Condon, Assistant Chief Inspector in the Department of Education and Skills, further discussed the structure of the Irish education system. University engagement with the National Framework of Qualifications and RPL was discussed with Lewis Purser, IUA Director Academic Affairs, and Ms Sinéad Lucey, IUA International Education Manager. A working dinner hosted by Dr Tom Boland, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority, saw the delegation meet with Mr. Fergal Costello, Head of Systems Governance & Performance Management and Mr. Muiris O’Connor, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning & Research,
On Tuesday the group will travel to DCU and DIT.
The six person delegation include:
- Mr. Subandi Sardjoko: Director of Education, Indonesian National Planning Agency (Bappenas);
- Ms Retno Rahayu Sunarni: Directorate General of Learning and Student Affairs, Ministry of Research Technology and Higher Education;
- Mr. Endrotomo: Institute of Technology of Sepuluh Nopember,Surabaya
- Mr. Widijanto S. Nurgroho: Secretary of the Board of Education;
- Mr. Soedarmono Soejitno: Secretary of the Independent Accreditation Board for Health Education;
- Mr. Bagyo Y. Moeliodihardjo: expert in Higher Education.