Detail

Executive Summary

In ONCAT’s work with Ontario postsecondary stakeholders, we have encountered challenges in communicating about learner mobility topics due to the lack of a common vocabulary. While there are various resources with extensive definition sets, these occasionally conflict with one another or omit important terms. This can cause confusion when developing policies and practices related to transfer and learner mobility. In response to the situation, we present a set of ONCAT-recommended definitions for key learner mobility concepts and associated terms intended for use across Ontario’s postsecondary sector. These definitions were developed through a five-step process that involved analyzing over 150 publications and websites to establish core definitions, which were then refined in consultation with key postsecondary education stakeholders.  

There were two reports produced as part of this project, which are available through the links below. The main report presents an overview of the project, including definitions for all recommended learner mobility concepts and associated terms. The supplemental report provides details about the project’s research methodology, and rationales behind each definition. 

The goal of this project was to provide a definitional framework to address longstanding ambiguities surrounding learner mobility terminology. Broader adoption of this framework will improve communication among stakeholders in transfer and mobility and facilitate increased linkages between research and practice.