THE CONCEPT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES IN THE LATVIAN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Recently learning outcomes, which are statements of what a learner knows, understands and is able to do after learning, have gained more attention at education policy level in Latvia. International discussions about the terms connected with learning outcomes have been raised by the development of the European Qualifications Framework – an eight level reference system – and consequent elaboration of national frameworks in the Member States. For the referencing process and other reforms to be successful, all stakeholders should share a common understanding of the used terms. This study aimed at exploring the education participants' views about the concept and use of learning outcomes in the Latvian vocational education. In terms of the study the questionnaire was completed by 577 vocational education students, and five vocational education teachers' and five employers' interviews were conducted. The results of the study indicate that the respondents do not have a thorough understanding of learning outcomes. Prior introducing learning outcomes in practice, national informative and educational activities should be arranged for education participants and general public in order to support vocational education stakeholders during the ongoing education reforms initiated by the shift towards learning outcomes based education.