Duration
12h Th, 15h Pr
Number of credits
Lecturer
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
All year long, with partial in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The first theoretical part of the course explores the organisation and functioning of the education system in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB), detailing the decision-making levels and institutional actors. It examines the education policies and issues that have influenced the system, with a particular focus on the recent reform of the "Pacte pour un enseignement d'excellence" in Education. The second part of the theoretical course focuses on the analysis of educational inequalities, both in terms of types of inequalities (access, treatment, achievement and social outcomes) and in terms of socio-demographic categories. The comparative analysis uses tools developed by the OECD and international surveys such as Pisa to examine these educational inequalities.
As part of the practical work, students will have the opportunity to experiment with a system that allows them to position themselves as active and reflective citizens in relation to our education system and the functioning of parliamentary democracy. The system will also provide an opportunity to put into practice certain concepts covered in the theoretical courses (notably concepts relating to the description and functioning of our education system). Students must be available on two consecutive Saturdays for these compulsory practical sessions.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Address systemic issues by critically analysing educational research on education systems, including issues of equality; understand the mechanisms of parliamentary democracy that govern educational reforms and develop knowledge and attitudes that promote civic practices for greater social cohesion.
specific objectives of the practical part:
- To have a thorough and critical understanding of a body of scientific knowledge derived from educational sciences and various disciplines related to educational sciences.
- To argue a position on an educational issue.
- To communicate orally and in writing on complex topics related to education, according to specific communication standards.
- To engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and interaction with a variety of interlocutors, demonstrating listening skills, open-mindedness, detachment, and assertiveness.
- To integrate and collaborate effectively within a team, participating in a responsible and supportive manner.
- To adopt a stance as an actor aware of their social responsibility.
- To analyze the societal challenges and effects of educational practices.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The practical work will enable students to experiment with an educational tool and critically evaluate it, while developing an understanding of how parliamentary democracy works.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Attendance at practical sessions (two consecutive Saturdays, March 21 and 28 OR April 11 and 18, 2026) is mandatory. An alternative (probably two consecutive Saturdays) will be offered to students who are unable to attend, based on a certificate, such as students who are employed.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )
Written work / report
Other : Participation in the two TP days in March or April
Further information:
Additional explanations:
Theoretical part:
This will be assessed via a written exam (multiple-choice questions) closed-book , held in person or via eCampus if the health situation requires it).
Exam date: January 2026, information available on the CEFEN website.
Practical work:
The assessment will include a mark for participation in compulsory practical work (two consecutive Saturdays) and a mark for individual work related to the practical work. There is no second session for the practical work.
Each of the two parts (written exam and practical work) accounts for 50% of the total mark.
Each part must be passed with a minimum grade of 8/20 to be validated.
In summary:
Theoretical part (50% of the grade, minimum 8/20 to pass the course), written exam in January 2026
Practical part (50% of the grade, minimum 8/20 to pass the course), preparatory work for parliamentary simulations + attendance at parliamentary simulations and active participation in parliamentary simulations
Consultation of exam papers:
9 February 2026
Registration required
Contact the teacher at: Geraldine.Godet@uliege.be (give the name of the course "System" and your student ID number).
As this is a TA course, the final grade for the course (including the exam and practical work) will only be announced after the June deliberations.
Work placement(s)
None
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Must already plan to be available two saturdays (March 21th-28th or April 11th-18th).