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2006:42 R

Evaluation of programmes in study and career guidance in Sweden

This evaluation report contains the results of an evaluation of programmes in study and career guidance conducted by the National Agency for Higher Education in 2006. The evaluation was undertaken by a panel of external assessors consisting of university teachers, one professional representative and an ex-student. The report comprises two sections: one containing the National Agency´s decisions and reflections, the other the report of the panel of assessors. The panel is responsible for the contents of its report. The decisions and reflections of the National Agency are based on the report submitted by the panel of assessors.

The impression formed by the panel is that these three vocational programmes offer adequate professional skills in study and career guidance and that they fulfil the special objectives laid down in the degree ordinance for programmes of this kind. The greatest problem referred to in the report involves shortcomings in relation to links between these programmes and research. There are too few teachers with postgraduate qualifications and inadequate resources for research. The students should also be able to derive greater benefit from the research undertaken by their teachers. Better links with research in the texts studied could be ensured by including more international publications.

The panel of assessors also feels that the programmes focus too narrowly on the school system. Students should also have broader experience and knowledge of the labour market outside the schools.

One of the aims of the programmes is to enable study and career guidance professionals to support the work of other school staff and participate in development activities. Better coordination between teacher-training programmes in the different higher education institutions would lead to greater understanding and awareness of the situation for teachers. One requirement for this kind of coordination is some degree of organisational proximity.

On the whole the placements included in the programmes function well. Employers and the placement supervisors are satisfied with the input from the students. However, these placements should focus to a greater extent on the labour market outside the school world.

On the basis of the panel´s report, the National Agency for Higher Education is questioning the entitlement of the University College of Malmö to award qualifications in study and career guidance. This is based on shortcomings in the qualifications of the teachers and the capacity for supervision as well as deficiencies in the way the programme is organised and administered.

Last updated: 2007-02-01
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Swedish National Agency for Higher Education  Visting address: Luntmakargatan 13  Box 7851, 103 99 Stockholm
Phone: 08-563 085 00  Fax: 08-563 085 50  Email: hsv@hsv.se