FaBoTo+ stands for 'Facilitating the Use of Bologna Tools for Higher Education Institutions and Quality Assurance Organisations'. It is the continuation of FaBoTo II, a project targeted to offer support and counselling regarding the implementation of the main Bologna instruments to both Dutch higher education institutions and Quality Assurance organisations.

FaBoTo+ is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme under Key Action 3: Support of the European Higher Education Area.

Background

Although the main elements of the Bologna agenda are implemented in The Netherlands, there are still items that require attention, especially in the field of transparency. This concerns the information on educational programmes; defining, assessing and demonstrating the achievement of learning outcomes and the use of the Diploma Supplement. Another important item is the cooperation of Dutch HEIs with education institutions in other countries, for the purpose of developing joint programmes or improving the quality of the mobility in KA107.

Priorities and solutions FaBoTo+

FaBoTo+ identifies two priority themes:

1. Support the quality of the ECHE and the Bologna transparency instruments in the EHEA.
2. To facilitate and encourage the use of the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes.

The following set of solutions are proposed:

• A national Bologna network expanding from the present group of Bologna experts
• Counselling and training by the Bologna experts to HEsregarding the transparency instruments included in the ECHE and in the ECTS Users Guide;.
• Peer to peer exchange and reflection on Bologna instruments with Germany
• Supporting visits to partner countries in the framework of international mobility ( KA 107)Bologna dialogues: the dialogue between HE and vocational training experts around ECTS, ECVET and learning outcomes will be continued. In addition a new dialogue of the Bologna experts with the ICT collaborative organisation in Dutch education and research will be initiated to raise awareness about European standards among ICT providers and influence the development of appropriate software administration;
• National training seminar to stimulate the development of joint programmes (JP). The training seminar will critically discuss how JP can benefit programme(s)/institutions and serves also to update the Dutch HEIs regarding the most recent developments on the theme of JP both on national and European level.
• Peer learning activity (PLA) on the European Approach on the Quality Assurance of joint programmes to reflect its implementation since it was adopted in Yerevan and identify the obstacles and good practices from both HEIs and QA organisations perspectives.

Expected results and impact

1. Implementation of Bologna instruments via the Dutch network of Bologna Experts:
   1. internal capacity building
   2. national training seminars
   3. reflection on activities in a peer to peer exchange with Germany with the purpose to increase the quality of our activities
2. Promotion of the ECHE, through:
   1. a national conference
   2. training of networks deeper in the institutions (examination boards)
   3. 3 ECHE supporting seminars in partner countries where the Dutch Higher Education Institutions are implementing mobility of student and staff within the frame of the Erasmus+ programme, international credit mobility KA107 (Ukraine, Georgia en Russia);
3. Support the implementation of Joint Programmes through:
   1. a PLA about the 'European Approach for QA of joint programmes' for circa 30 representatives from ministries, institutions and quality assurance organisations
   2. an update of the 'Joint Degree from A to Z' publication

Supporting visits

The Bologna Experts support and advise HEI’s on implementing their ECHE and on other Bologna topics such as using the Diploma Supplement, working with a grading table, ECTS Course Catalogue. In a peer-to-peer conversation you can receive advice and tips.

If you are interested in setting up one of these supporting visits, please contact the Dutch National Agency Erasmus+.