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Competency frameworks, alternative credentials and the evolving relationship of higher education and employers in recognizing skills and achievements.

Authors :
Braxton, Sherri Nicole
Source :
International Journal of Information & Learning Technology. 2023, Vol. 40 Issue 5, p373-387. 15p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Purpose: Recognizing, tracking and providing mechanisms for sharing an individual's comprehensive record of learning is necessary and essential for both her agency over and ability to manage sharing her qualifications with parties whom she desires to be aware of her learning record. In doing so, she may capture and present degrees, certifications, microcredentials or badges representing varying levels of knowledge, skill and abilities (KSAs) achieved in both formal and informal educational experiences. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned ideas. Design/methodology/approach: In the USA, competency frameworks are gaining more solid footing with both higher education institutions and employers as both move to address the changing landscape of education-to-work preparation and the relationships that exist between them. The need to support lifelong learning and the various pathways that individuals traverse in and out of educational pursuits and the workforce require a more personalized approach. Findings: This paper will discuss the drivers of the newfound traction of competency frameworks among higher education and employers within the USA, present examples of the frameworks and how they are being applied to address the common interests of educators, employers and the learner/earners, and explain the role badges and microcredentials play in capturing and recognizing the broad spectrum of learning, skills and competencies achieved by an individual throughout the lifelong learning journey. Originality/value: The digital badging taxonomy and concept of using badges as a representation of a unit of competency, both introduced in this paper, provide a unique strategy for contextualizing the relationship between levels of cognitive domain recognized in academic settings and the language of KSAs used by employers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20564880
Volume :
40
Issue :
5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
International Journal of Information & Learning Technology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
173114743
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-10-2022-0206