Towards the construction of a personal professional pathway: An experimental project for the recognition of non-formal and informal learning in the University of Catania

In Italy, accreditation of prior learning is a sensitive issue. Despite the lack of laws or qualification frameworks regulating the recognition of non formal and informal learning, Italian Universities proceed with caution, mainly allowing the approval of only a restricted number of credits in the university curriculum, related to practical activities or to external internships. The Faculty of Sciences of Education of the University of Catania, partner in a Leonardo da Vinci project (2008-2010) regarding University placement services, has created an e-learning course for self evaluation of non formal and informal learning. The course, aimed at students attending their final year of the first level degree, has been set up as a support activity for students with low possibilities of entering the job market and not used to making the most of their learning experiences, especially if related to non formal and informal settings. As a matter of fact, women are more than 90% of the students attending courses, and their status is characterized by a low socio-cultural background and weak curriculum. Currently, tentative modules have offered students useful tools to increase personal awareness in careers guidance, since the University of Catania cannot offer its community alternative opportunities.