Validation arrangements for formally low-qualified staff in geriatric care: The Design-based Research project KomBiA

Abstract

Validation arrangements aim to increase the visibility and recognition of non-formal and informal learning. For geriatric care in Germany, such validation arrangements currently do not exist. The workplace learning of assistant nurses is therefore yet to be documented and certified. The Design-based Research project KomBiA was initiated in order to solve this practical problem. The interventions, which were developed, tested and evaluated, are based on the CEDEFOP model for the validation of non-formal and informal learning in Europe, which had to be adapted and modified according to the national and sectoral specifics of geriatric care in Germany. The project set-up focused on the development of an innovative solution to the problem that could gain support among all major stakeholders. Hence, the project included practitioners representing different interests. The collaborative development of the prototype was tested and evaluated in a two-cycle-approach. On this basis, a viable model of validating non-formal and informal learning in the field was designed and corresponding design principles were deduced.