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Section 4: Evaluation

in the validation of non-formal and informal at national level to support further investment
learning, were perceived as important learning in guidance services. They emphasised the
experiences. relationship between the challenges in qual-
• WP2 members particularly identified the use of ity assurance and the distinctive context of the
information and communication technologies national lifelong guidance system.
in widening access as a valuable learning expe-
rience. The field visits had also given members
opportunities to share experiences on different 4.4 Relevance of the ELGPN 2012
options for integrating guidance into processes outputs
for validation of prior learning.
• WP3 implemented a twinning activity on co- Overall, it appears that ELGPN member countries
operation and co-ordination mechanisms with were satisfied with the Network and the general out-
Germany and Greece, also involving Cyprus: an comes of its work. All respondents agreed that the
example of sharing experiences between coun- ELGPN outcomes had met their expectations at least
tries at different stages in developing a national to some extent; 87% fully agreed or agreed that the
lifelong guidance forum. Countries in the pro- outcomes achieved within the Work Programme were
cess of developing national co-operation and of a high quality; 77% fully agreed or agreed that the
co-ordination mechanisms indicated that they outcomes were relevant to their national context; and
were able to compare the different practices in all agreed that they could use the outcomes in their
ELGPN member countries and to reflect on the national context at least to some extent.
processes underlying these mechanisms. On ELGPN members regarded the briefing and reflec-
the other hand, some countries which already tion notes prepared by external consultants as very
had national forums, or wanted to develop relevant and helpful in preparing for the field visits
other type of representative structures, felt that and supporting the implementation and evolution
the working method and content of WP3 had of the Work Programme. The reflection notes opened
been somewhat repetitive. wider perspectives on the themes and complemented
• In WP4, differences between countries in their the discussions during the meetings. The targeted
approaches to quality assurance and evidence- analyses and comprehensive accounts of the themes
based policy making were the focus for mutual discussed were seen to be of high quality.
learning. Participants reported that it had Many members found the ELGPN policy briefings
proved difficult to develop a list of quality helpful in enabling them to follow guidance-related
Evaluation
indicators which could be used in its entirety developments in the sectoral policy areas. The brief-
in all member countries. However, the devel- ings were perceived also to be valuable in reminding
opment of common indicators, alongside the thematic activities of common objectives and
the comparison of different national surveys achievements. The briefings gave all ELGPN mem-
and the development of a pilot programme bers and national stakeholders an opportunity to
for evaluating the learning outcomes of guid- learn quickly about relevant guidance-related policy
ance, were perceived to have been an important developments. Some members translated the brief-
stimulus for deepening understanding of the ings into their national languages. However, some
quality aspects of national guidance systems. countries with a national co-ordination unit for EU
Participating countries had been provided with affairs did not see the briefings to be so relevant.
opportunities to discuss the quality indicators The main output of the Work Programme, the
that were currently applied or could be applied Resource Kit, was perceived to summarise the het-

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