Research report on microcredentials
Commissioned by Npuls, the independent consultancy firm OchtendMensen conducted a study into the urgency and relevance of microcredentials. The aim of the study was to collect and analyse practical experiences of education professionals from secondary vocational education, higher professional education and university education, learners and employers, in order to support policy-making at national level and promote knowledge sharing between educational institutions. Please note: the research report is only available in Dutch.
What?
For whom?
Summary
The study is based on 27 semi-structured in-depth interviews with education professionals, learners and employers. The interviews show that microcredentials are increasingly being used in response to current labour market demands. They enable a rapid and targeted response to developments and increase the mobility of learners. In addition, microcredentials stimulate innovation within the education system and are a valuable addition to diploma-oriented learning pathways. For universities in particular, they also offer opportunities for better alignment with international developments.
Key lessons
The key lessons from the study are that sectoral differences require a tailored approach; that cooperation between institutions pays off, but requires more coordination; that organisational embedding is essential; and that awareness and legitimacy are prerequisites for further sustainable embedding.
Potential of microcredentials
This research confirms the potential of microcredentials as a tool for flexibility, innovation and strengthening the connection between education and the labour market. For sustainable implementation, it is important that microcredentials are firmly embedded in the education system and widely recognised by both educational institutions and the professional field.