Validation of non formal and informal learning

The article gives a brief overview about the concept of life long learning in the European Union with a focus on informal and non formal learning. Amongst others a clear definition of skills, qualifications and competencies is presented. Secondly we discuss how to identify main areas of informal and non formal learning by the means of time use and task analyses in order to validate informal and non formal learning. Thirdly we describe the situation in regard of validation of informal and non formal learning in Europe whereas the emphasis is put on the partner countries of the Europlacement project. Furthermore some useful theories to guide the development of tools are being presented. And finally we discuss some methodological approaches to the validation of informal and non formal learning processes. A comprehensive bibliography and link list completes the article.