ABSTRACT
Over the years the debate on the scope and nature of informal learning has continued to grow. Parallel to this growth is the increasing awareness of the need to define approaches, models, strategies and instruments in order to better assess informal learning. In relation to this debate, the chapter, in the first section, provides some contexts and trends around lifelong learning, informal learning, competence-based approaches and validation and certification of competencies. The certification of competencies has led to reconsider the integration between the international debate over the higher education governance and the new focus on informal learning. The chapter evaluates the design and implementation of Italian policies aiming to recognize, validate and certificate students' competencies. This chapter presents a methodological analysis for a valid and reliable assessment of informal learning. Limitations and issues are analyzed in order to shed light on the need for future educational research in the lifelong learning field.
