This report was commissioned by the Tertiary Education Commission to provide advice on how micro-credentials (competency-based, personalised, formal or informal units of learning) might be used to improve the uptake of engineering education in New Zealand, particularly of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering. The report summarizes the key issues facing engineering education at levels 4-6 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), and explores how micro and other alternative credentials have been applied in higher education here and overseas. This report was predominantly a... [+] Show more
This report was commissioned by the Tertiary Education Commission to provide advice on how micro-credentials (competency-based, personalised, formal or informal units of learning) might be used to improve the uptake of engineering education in New Zealand, particularly of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering. The report summarizes the key issues facing engineering education at levels 4-6 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), and explores how micro and other alternative credentials have been applied in higher education here and overseas. This report was predominantly a desktop review of selected literature augmented by analysis of administrative data and a small number of key informant interviews.
There are several persistent issues that impact on the effectiveness of the pipeline into advanced engineering education. These issues often reflect systemic problems within the tertiary education system. The system prioritises on-campus, full-time students, doesn't cater well to New Zealand Maori and Pasifika, and it is too difficult for students to change direction. Micro-credentials provide many interesting opportunities to address these issues. Implemented well micro-credentials would provide students and employers with better information, support the mixing and matching of courses, give tertiary education organisations (TEOs) more flexibility and encourage innovation. The report includes a possible model to guide the implementation of micro-credentials for engineering education. This model involves offering these credentials across the engineering education pipeline to promote awareness of engineering as a career, provide prospective learners with bridging skills, simplify pathways and credit transfer arrangements, and support professional development.
Abstract from publisher's website and edited excerpts from publication.
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