Journal of Education & Social Policy

A Constructivist Policy Rational For Aligning Non -Formal and Informal Learning to Mechanism for Validation and Recognition of Skills: The Case of Cyprus
Dr Miltiadis Staboulis, Assistant Professor; Dr Maria Sytziouki, Adjunct Lecturer

Abstract
This paper provides evidence on the practice of recognition of non -formal and informal learning and supports a constructivist approach for the formation of the Mechanism for the validation of non- formal and informal learning (VNFIL) in the case of Cyprus. Since 2012 and according to the EU direction many counties have initiated policy actions for the implementation of a Mechanism for VNFIL. In this paper we present the empirical evidence provided in the context of the project Development of an Action Plan for the establishment of a Mechanism for VNFIL. More exactly, the paper analyses the interviews with stakeholders in Cyprus with the aim to outline current practices on recognition and validation of learning and to sketch the milestones for the construction of the Mechanism proposed by the stakeholders. The paper arguments that the constructivist policy rational that embrace current practices and build on stakeholders’ recommendations and even more consensus about required actions is a strong case of a bottom up policy model for the formation of the Mechanism for validation of NFIL.

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