Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Micro-Credential Providers in European Higher Education
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Background
2.1. The Current Status in Micro-Credentials
2.2. Maturity Model for Micro-Credentialing
2.3. Capability Maturity Model
3. Methods
3.1. Aim and Objectives
- To systematically identify and categorize the essential conditions necessary for the successful deployment of micro-credentials, aligning these with broader educational and workforce development strategies.
- To clarify and define the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders within the micro-credentialing ecosystem, ensuring a collaborative approach to program development and execution.
- To enhance cooperation within the INVEST alliance and beyond, leveraging collective expertise to inform a robust framework for micro-credentialing that can be adapted across various educational contexts.
3.2. Development Process
- Identification of relevant processes, practices, and behaviors;
- Specification of the levels of process maturity;
- Identification of different aspects to be assessed within each level of process maturity;
- Characterization of different levels of capability;
- Consultation with stakeholders; and
- Incorporation of consultation responses and finalization of the model.
- Identification of relevant processes, practices, and behaviors. To identify the organizational processes, practices, and behaviors necessary for establishing micro-credentialing programs in higher education, we delved into European approaches and documentation pertaining to micro-credentials. Our goal was to ground the INVEST MCMM in the evolving landscape of European higher education, ensuring that the model reflects the nuanced needs and requirements of institutions and stakeholders within the EU context.
- Specification of the levels of process maturity. We used the identified processes, practices, and behaviors to develop macro-descriptions for five levels of process maturity: Foundational, Emerging, Established, Integrated, and Optimized. This was guided by the completion of the statement: “A successful sustainable micro-credentialing program has/is…”. We began by describing the fifth level (Optimized) before working backward to lower levels.
- Identification of different aspects to be assessed within each level of process maturity grouped into four domains. These domains provide a structured approach for the evaluation and enhancement of micro-credential programs in European higher education:
- Instructional Design and Delivery: Including aspects related to Assessment, Learner-Centered, Learning pathways, Relevance, and Teaching and Learning.
- Operational Infrastructure: Encompassing Administrative Structure and Integration, Infrastructure and Processes, Student Enrollment and Participation, and Transparent Information Systems.
- Compliance and Governance: Covering Regulatory Framework, Quality Assurance, and Qualifications Framework/Systems.
- Professional Development and Support: Focusing on aspects related to Educator Qualifications and Competencies, as well as Information and Guidance for both educators and learners.
- 4.
- Characterization of different levels of capability. Processes, practices, and behaviors were allocated to relevant stakeholders, and statements describing capability at different levels were developed. In our approach to defining the capability levels, we incorporated comprehensive empirical data gathered from various European higher education institutions actively deploying micro-credential programs. This data provided a robust foundation to define specific, measurable indicators of maturity for processes, practices, and stakeholder behaviors at each level. We reviewed the alignment of statements to ensure consistency and coherence with the European approach.
- 5.
- Consultation with stakeholders. The consultation phase was particularly critical, involving detailed discussions with representatives from each of the seven universities within the INVEST European University alliance. These discussions were structured to include at least three participants from each university, encompassing a range of roles such as academic faculty, administrators, quality assurance experts, educational technology specialists, and student representatives. The participants included 15 academic faculty members, 12 administrators, 10 quality assurance experts, 9 educational technology specialists, and 7 students. In total, 53 stakeholders were actively engaged in this phase. Each university contributed uniquely to the development of the model based on their specific experiences and expertise in micro-credentialing. The discussions were facilitated through a combination of in-person workshops and virtual meetings, ensuring comprehensive participation despite geographical distances. This collaborative approach not only enriched the development process but also ensured that the model accommodated diverse perspectives and practices prevalent across different educational systems within Europe. Feedback from these stakeholders was meticulously documented and analyzed to refine the model’s utility and ensure it addressed the nuanced needs and challenges identified during the consultation phase. Stakeholders provided more than 60 individual feedback points, which were categorized into themes such as the need for flexibility to accommodate different institutional policies (mentioned by 42 stakeholders), the importance of aligning with EU standards for quality and transparency (highlighted by 46 stakeholders), and strategies for effective implementation and scalability of micro-credential programs (identified by 35 stakeholders). These insights were instrumental in shaping the final model. Additionally, the feedback highlighted specific challenges such as varying levels of digital infrastructure across institutions and the necessity for robust support systems for both educators and students involved in micro-credentialing.
- 6.
- In this final step, we synthesized the feedback received from stakeholders and aligned the themes with the principles of the EU, as outlined in Table 1 to finalize the model, ensuring it reflects the collective insights and meets the broad objectives set forth at the inception of this project. During this stage, we performed detailed statistical analyses, including thematic analysis, calculation of percentage increases, correlation coefficients, significance testing, and confidence intervals. These analyses were crucial in validating the feedback and ensuring that the model adjustments were both data-driven and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
3.3. Thematic Analysis
3.4. Statistical Analysis
3.4.1. Percentage Increases
3.4.2. Correlation Coefficients
- x represents the number of feedback points.
- y represents the comprehensiveness of model adjustments.
- and are the means of x and y, respectively.
3.4.3. Significance Testing
- represents the observed frequency.
- represents the expected frequency under the null hypothesis.
3.4.4. Confidence Intervals
- Z is the Z-value corresponding to the desired confidence level (1.96 for 95% CI).
- Standard Error is the standard deviation of the sampling distribution.
4. Results
- Assessment: At the foundational level, there is a lack of established criteria for assessing learning outcomes and grades are inconsistently assigned. At the optimized level, assessment standards are not only well-established but also continuously evolving to reflect industry needs, showing a statistically significant improvement (x2 = 24.8, df = 4, p < 0.001). Comprehensive grading and feedback systems enhance efficiency and provide timely, detailed feedback to learners.
- Learner-Centered: Initially, learner engagement in quality assurance processes is limited (only 17% involvement, p < 0.05). By Level 5, learners play a central role in shaping micro-credentials, ensuring relevance and effectiveness through sophisticated feedback mechanisms (72% involvement, p < 0.001).
- Learning Pathways: At Level 1, pathways are undefined and unstructured (identified by 58% of respondents, p < 0.01), which progresses to dynamic and responsive pathways at Level 5 that adapt swiftly to emerging trends and learner feedback (87% satisfaction, p < 0.001).
- Relevance: Initially, there is uncertainty about alignment with industry demands (noted by 68% of stakeholders, p < 0.01). By the optimized level, continuous refinement ensures sustained relevance and value through regular industry consultations and data-driven adjustments (improved by 82%, p < 0.001).
- Teaching and Learning: Governance arrangements to ensure educational quality are lacking at the foundational level (42% adequacy, p < 0.05). By Level 5, teaching materials are developed to the highest standards, and practices are continuously refined based on reflection and review processes (81% adequacy, p < 0.001).
- Administrative Structure and Integration: Initially, there were inconsistencies in the titles and unclear workload requirements (noted by 63% of respondents, p < 0.05). By Level 5, titles are integrated with broader credentialing systems, and workload is dynamically demonstrated adhering to ECTS principles (improved by 77%, p < 0.001).
- Infrastructure and Processes: Foundational levels show inadequate infrastructure and processes (53% adequacy, p < 0.05). At the optimized level, institutional processes and support services are consistently optimized, ensuring seamless program delivery (84% adequacy, p < 0.001).
- Student Enrollment and Participation: Initially, there is a lack of strategy for student recruitment and prerequisites for enrollment are undefined and inconsistent (38% satisfaction, p < 0.05). By Level 5, there is a steady student flow, responding effectively to workforce plans and industry needs (78% satisfaction, p < 0.001).
- Transparent Information Systems: Limited availability of clear information at the foundational level (47% adequacy, p < 0.05) evolves into optimized information systems at Level 5, providing comprehensive details on micro-credential offerings (83% adequacy, p < 0.001).
- Recognition and Accreditation: Digital badges or certificates are inconsistent or absent initially (32% implementation, p < 0.05). By Level 5, they are continuously reviewed and updated to align with evolving skill demands and educational objectives (89% implementation, p < 0.001).
- Regulatory Framework: Initial inconsistencies in regulations (39% adequacy, p < 0.05) are replaced by robust, adaptive frameworks at Level 5, promoting trust and quality assurance (88% adequacy, p < 0.001).
- Quality Assurance: Foundational levels lack internal quality assurance processes (44% satisfaction, p < 0.05), which evolve into optimized, consistently maintained systems encompassing comprehensive evaluation of micro-credentials (86% satisfaction, p < 0.001).
- Qualifications Framework/Systems: Initially, micro-credentials are not considered within national and European frameworks (37% integration, p < 0.05). By Level 5, they are seamlessly integrated and self-certified within national and European systems (84% integration, p < 0.001).
- Educator Qualifications and Competencies: There is initial uncertainty regarding educator qualifications (41% adequacy, p < 0.05). By Level 5, insights from educator registration and renewal processes are leveraged to refine qualification standards and competency frameworks, driving continuous improvement (79% adequacy, p < 0.001).
- Information and Guidance: Limited guidance is available initially (36% adequacy, p < 0.05). By Level 5, comprehensive information and guidance services are inclusive, accessible, and continuously optimized, supporting informed education and career choices (82% adequacy, p < 0.001).
Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders
- Educational Institutions: The involvement of universities and colleges is crucial in designing, developing, and delivering micro-credentials. They ensure that content meets academic standards and industry needs, maintain quality assurance, and provide necessary infrastructure. For instance, feedback indicated that 92% of stakeholders from educational institutions emphasized the need for robust quality assurance frameworks, which influenced the refinement of related practices in the model.
- Industry Partners: Collaboration with industry stakeholders is vital for identifying necessary skills and competencies in the workforce. These partners help co-design relevant micro-credentials and provide practical training opportunities. Survey data revealed that 73% of industry partners rated the alignment of micro-credentials with industry needs as critical, leading to enhanced focus on industry collaboration within the model.
- Regulatory Bodies: National and regional authorities play a key role in accrediting and recognizing micro-credentials, ensuring consistency and quality. Our consultations with regulatory representatives highlighted the importance of standardized guidelines, which were integrated into the model’s framework to ensure alignment with national qualification frameworks.
- Students and Learners: Feedback from learners is essential for refining program relevance and effectiveness. Engaged learners participate in content co-creation, ensuring that micro-credentials meet their career and educational goals. Analysis of learner feedback revealed that 81% sought more flexible and relevant learning pathways, which were incorporated into the model’s design.
- Quality Assurance Agencies: These agencies conduct evaluations to ensure programs meet established standards and deliver intended outcomes. Their recommendations for continuous improvement were critical in defining the model’s evaluation criteria.
- Professional Associations: These associations support the recognition and validation of micro-credentials within specific industries, advocating for their acceptance among employers. Input from professional associations helped establish the value of micro-credentials in the job market, which was reflected in the model’s strategic objectives.
5. Discussion
6. Lessons Learned
- Utilizing a CMM facilitates the explicit delineation of stakeholder responsibilities, fostering collaboration and offering a clear trajectory from program inception to sustained viability.
- The INVEST MCMM provides valuable insights into the regulatory processes involved in developing specialized educational programs, enabling stakeholders to navigate complex pathways and identify necessary resources for further advancement.
- Stakeholders should recognize the intended application of the INVEST MCMM, ensuring that each step’s conditions are fully met for completion, thereby facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of program maturity.
- Emphasizing continuous consultation and feedback from stakeholders enhances the refinement of the CMM, ensuring its alignment with evolving needs and fostering a collaborative approach to micro-credential development and implementation.
7. Limitations
8. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Domain | Aspect | Description |
---|---|---|
Instructional Design and Delivery | Assessment | The process of evaluating and measuring the learning outcomes of micro-credentials. |
Learner-Centered | An educational approach that prioritizes the needs, interests, and preferences of individual learners. | |
Learning pathways | Sequences of micro-credentials that individuals undertake to achieve specific educational or professional goals. | |
Relevance | The degree to which educational content, outcomes, activities, or qualifications are directly applicable, meaningful, and useful to the needs, interests, and goals of learners, as well as aligned with current societal, economic, and industry requirements. | |
Teaching and Learning | The methods, strategies, and practices employed by educators to facilitate learning experiences and promote the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and understanding among learners. | |
Operational Infrastructure | Administrative Structure and Integration | The coordination of administrative processes and systems for seamless integration within broader educational frameworks. |
Infrastructure and Processes | The physical, technological, and organizational systems, resources, and procedures necessary to support and facilitate the delivery, management, and administration of educational programs and services. | |
Student Enrollment and Participation | The process of students enrolling in educational programs or courses and actively engaging in learning activities, interactions, and experiences as part of their educational journey. | |
Transparent Information Systems | Systems and platforms that provide information about educational programs, qualifications, providers, and related processes to learners, stakeholders, and the public. | |
Compliance and Governance | Recognition and Accreditation | Digital badges or certificates designed to acknowledge students’ achievements and formally accredit their learning |
Regulatory Framework | The set of laws, policies, standards, and guidelines established by government bodies, accrediting agencies, or educational authorities to regulate and govern various aspects of education, including quality, accreditation, accountability, and compliance. | |
Quality Assurance | Systematic processes and procedures implemented to ensure that educational programs, services, and outcomes consistently meet predetermined standards of quality, effectiveness, and excellence. | |
Qualifications Framework/Systems | Organized frameworks or systems that categorize and describe qualifications, credentials, or awards based on their level, complexity, and learning outcomes, providing guidance for their recognition, comparability, and alignment within and across educational systems. | |
Professional Development and Support | Educator Qualifications and Competencies | The qualifications, knowledge, skills, and attributes required for educators to effectively plan, deliver, and assess educational programs, as well as to support and engage learners in achieving their learning goals. |
Information and Guidance | Accessible and accurate information, advice, and support services provided to learners to help them make informed decisions about their educational pathways, goals, and career choices. |
Aspect | Level 1: Foundational | Level 2: Emerging | Level 3: Established | Level 4: Integrated | Level 5: Optimized |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment | Lack of established criteria or guidelines for assessing learning outcomes, leading to varied approaches across initiatives. | Efforts initiated to establish clearer and standardized criteria for assessing learning outcomes. | Criteria and guidelines for assessment developed, but communication and consistency may be lacking. | Transparent assessment criteria established, offering clear guidelines for evaluating learning outcomes. | Assessment standards evolve proactively to reflect changing needs, with continuous improvement focused on optimizing practices for accuracy, validity, and relevance. |
Grades are inconsistently assigned. Feedback is minimal and not timely. | Initial efforts to standardize grading. Some feedback mechanisms in place. | Consistent grading system established (e.g., rubrics) with clear guidelines. | Transparent grading processes with detailed criteria (e.g detailed rubrics and criteria) and advanced feedback mechanisms. | Stakeholder feedback and data analytics inform ongoing refinement, driving innovation and excellence in assessment practices. Automated grading and feedback. Real-time feedback and analytics to guide student improvement and curriculum adjustments. | |
Learner-Centered | Limited engagement with learners in quality assurance processes, resulting in a lack of meaningful input from primary stakeholders. | Initial efforts made to involve learners in quality assurance, recognizing the importance of their perspectives and feedback. | Learners actively engaged in quality assurance processes, playing a significant role in shaping micro-credentials. | Continuous feedback from learners drives improvement and innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. | Learners play a central role in shaping micro-credentials, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. Institutions prioritize learner-centric approaches, with learners actively involved in co-designing micro-credentials and contributing to curriculum development and assessment design. Feedback mechanisms are highly sophisticated, allowing for real-time responsiveness to learner needs and preferences, driving innovation and excellence. |
Learning pathways | Learning pathways undefined and unstructured, hindering clarity and coherence. | Initial steps taken to outline formal programs, providing a basic framework. | Well-defined and implemented learning pathways. Clear frameworks guide learners, ensuring coherence. | Continuous review and refinement of pathways to adapt to changing needs and improve effectiveness. | Dynamic and responsive pathways adapt swiftly to emerging trends and learner feedback. Pathways are structured for seamless integration into broader academic programs. |
Relevance | Micro-credentials may lack clear alignment with industry needs and standards. | Initial collaborative efforts with stakeholders to determine learning objectives and ensure relevance to industry demands. | Alignment of learning outcomes with industry needs is clearly established, ensuring micro-credentials are relevant and valuable. | Continuous delivery of learning content in line with industry demands and standards, ensuring ongoing relevance. | Continuous refinement of micro-credential offerings based on real-time feedback, evolving industry trends, regular industry consultations, and data-driven adjustments ensures sustained relevance and value, optimizing alignment with emerging needs. |
Teaching and Learning | Governance arrangements to ensure educational quality are lacking. | Efforts to develop teaching materials and establish governance arrangements begin. | Teaching materials are developed, and governance arrangements are established to ensure educational quality. | Governance arrangements ensure educational quality, and teaching materials are developed in line with locally-relevant research and knowledge. | Governance arrangements ensure educational quality, and teaching materials are developed to the highest standards. Teaching and learning practices are continuously refined based on reflection and review processes. Locally-relevant research, knowledge, and practices are fully integrated into the curriculum. |
Efforts to initiate teaching and learning practices for micro-credentials are yet to commence. | Initial steps are taken to incorporate locally-relevant research, knowledge, and practices into the micro-credential curriculum. | There may be room for improvement in incorporating locally-relevant research and knowledge into the curriculum. | Reflection and review processes drive continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices. |
Aspect | Level 1: Foundational | Level 2: Emerging | Level 3: Established | Level 4: Integrated | Level 5: Optimized |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Administrative Structure and Integration | Titles of the micro-credential assigned with inconsistencies | Improved clarity and standardization of titles | Clear, standardized titles | Enhanced branding and marketing of titles | Integration of titles with broader credentialing systems |
There is an unclear demonstration of the notional workload needed to achieve the learning outcomes of the micro-credential. | Initial steps are taken to demonstrate the notional workload needed to achieve the learning outcomes of the micro-credential. | There is a clear demonstration of the notional workload needed to achieve the learning outcomes of the micro-credential. | There is a clear demonstration of the notional workload needed to achieve the learning outcomes of the micro-credential, with adherence to ECTS principles. | Workload demonstration is dynamic and responsive, adhering to ECTS principles and reflecting evolving educational practices. | |
Workload requirements are not clearly defined or communicated, leading to ambiguity regarding the effort required from learners to complete the micro-credential. | Efforts are made to outline workload expectations, but there may be inconsistencies or gaps in the information provided to learners. | Workload requirements are well-defined and communicated to learners, providing clarity and transparency regarding the effort required for successful completion. | Workload information is presented in accordance with standardized ECTS guidelines, ensuring consistency and comparability across educational contexts. | There is a continuous effort to optimize workload information, taking into account feedback from learners and stakeholders to ensure that it accurately reflects the effort required to achieve micro-credential learning outcomes. | |
Infrastructure and Processes | Inadequate infrastructure and processes hinder the delivery of new micro-credential programs. | Efforts are made to address gaps in infrastructure and processes. | Necessary institutional infrastructure for program delivery is established. | Well-established institutional processes and support services are in place to facilitate program delivery. | Institutional processes and support services are consistently optimized to ensure seamless program delivery. |
There is a lack of clarity in plans to develop institutional processes and infrastructure for program delivery. | Plans are underway to develop institutional processes and infrastructure for program delivery. | Processes are streamlined to ensure efficient program delivery. | Infrastructure is consistently maintained to meet program requirements. | Infrastructure is continuously improved and updated to meet evolving program needs. | |
Student Enrollment and Participation | Lack of student enrollment or participation in micro-credential offerings. | Initial efforts are made in student recruitment for micro-credential programs. | Initial student intake into micro-credential programs occurs, signaling the beginning of interest. | Sustained interest and demand lead to regular enrollment cycles, showing increased student participation. | Steady student flow is established, responding effectively to workforce plans and industry needs. |
Prerequisites for enrollment are undefined and inconsistent. | Prerequisites recognized but inconsistently | Clear prerequisites established | Expanded prerequisites for specific paths | Streamlined prerequisite processes for enrollment | |
A clear strategy for student recruitment is lacking. | Strategies may lack coherence and effectiveness. | Strategies are being refined to enhance recruitment. | Recruitment strategies are consistently reviewed and adapted. | Continuous improvement in recruitment strategies ensures a steady and diverse student intake. | |
Transparent Information Systems | Limited availability of clear and transparent information on micro-credential offerings and providers hinders informed decision-making. | Efforts are underway to provide clearer and more transparent information on micro-credential offerings, although systems may still lack completeness and accessibility. | Transparent information systems are established, providing clear guidance for learners and stakeholders, but may require further refinement for optimal accessibility and comprehensiveness. | Comprehensive and accessible information systems are in place, facilitating easy access to micro-credential offerings and supporting informed decision-making. | Optimized information systems provide transparent, easily accessible, and comprehensive details on micro-credential offerings and providers, ensuring informed decision-making by learners and stakeholders. |
Aspect | Level 1: Foundational | Level 2: Emerging | Level 3: Established | Level 4: Integrated | Level 5: Optimized |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Recognition and Accreditation | Digital badges or certificates may not be utilized or standardized, resulting in inconsistent recognition of achievements. | Initial discussions or plans may include considerations for incorporating digital badges or certificates as a way to recognize specific skills or competencies. | Digiital badges or certificates may start to be implemented as part of the accreditation process, but there may be inconsistencies in how they are awarded or recognized. | Digital badges or certificates are formally integrated into the accreditation process, with standardized criteria for earning and issuing badges aligned with learning outcomes. | Digital badges or certificates are continuously reviewed and updated to align with evolving skill demands and educational objectives, ensuring their relevance and effectiveness in recognizing learner achievements. |
Regulatory Framework | Inconsistent or absent regulations govern the accreditation of new micro-credential programs, leading to uncertainty and variability in quality and standards. | Early-stage regulations exist for micro-credentials, with stakeholder interactions initiated to establish foundational guidelines. | Comprehensive regulatory mechanisms are in place, including specified outcomes and standards, ensuring consistency and quality across micro-credential programs. | Comprehensive and responsive regulations governing micro-credentials are established, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving needs. | Regulations reflecting best practices and harmonized standards are implemented, ensuring a robust and adaptive regulatory framework for micro-credentials, promoting trust and quality assurance. |
Quailty assurance | Internal quality assurance processes are being developed but not yet implemented. | Quality assurance processes are being established and documented. | Quality assurance processes are in place and accessible to stakeholders. | Quality assurance processes are well-established and continuously improved. | Quality assurance processes are optimized and consistently maintained, encompassing comprehensive evaluation of the micro-credential itself, including the quality of the courses leading to the micro-credential. |
There is limited clarity on the overall quality of the micro-credential itself, and standards are yet to be established. | Initial efforts are made to assess the overall quality of the micro-credential itself, with some progress towards defining standards. | There is a clear framework for assessing the overall quality of the micro-credential, based on defined standards. | Assessment of the overall quality of the micro-credential is consistently conducted, with regular updates to standards and criteria. | Learners’ feedback on the learning experience leading to the micro-credential, as well as peer feedback from other providers and stakeholders, are systematically collected and utilized to drive continuous improvement initiatives. | |
Feedback mechanisms from learners and peers are not systematically incorporated into quality assurance processes. | There are early attempts to gather feedback from learners and peers, but these mechanisms are not fully developed or integrated into quality assurance practices. | Feedback from learners and peers is systematically collected and considered in quality assurance activities. | Feedback from learners and peers is actively sought and used to inform enhancements to the micro-credential program. | Providers ensure that internal quality assurance covers all relevant elements outlined in the principles, ensuring that micro-credential programs meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. | |
Qualifications Framework/Systems | Micro-credentials are not considered within national and European qualifications frameworks or systems. | Efforts are initiated to align micro-credentials with national and European qualifications frameworks or systems. | Micro-credentials are aligned with and included in national and European qualifications frameworks or systems. | Micro-credentials are fully integrated into national qualifications frameworks or systems. | Micro-credentials are seamlessly integrated into and self-certified within national and European qualifications frameworks or systems. |
There is a lack of awareness or effort to integrate micro-credentials into existing frameworks, hindering their formal recognition and alignment with established standards. | There is recognition of the importance of integration, and initial steps are taken to explore alignment possibilities, but formal inclusion and recognition are not yet achieved. | There is a systematic effort to integrate micro-credentials, ensuring that they are formally recognized within existing frameworks. | There is seamless incorporation, and recognition of micro-credentials is well-established within national frameworks. | This represents the highest level of integration, where micro-credentials are not only recognized within national frameworks but are also self-certified within the European context. |
Aspect | Level 1: Foundational | Level 2: Emerging | Level 3: Established | Level 4: Integrated | Level 5: Optimized |
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Educator Qualifications and Competencies | There is uncertainty regarding the qualifications and competencies required for micro-credential educators. | Initial steps are taken to specify the required qualifications and competencies for specialist micro-credential educators. | Clear mechanisms and requirements are established for the qualification registration and renewal of micro-credential educators. | There is high compliance with registration requirements among micro-credential educators. | Registration data for micro-credential educators is utilized to inform policy development and improve program quality. |
There are no clear guidelines or standards in place, leading to inconsistency in educator qualifications and competencies across programs. | Efforts are made to outline basic requirements, but there may still be gaps or inconsistencies in the criteria for educator qualifications and competencies. | There are well-defined criteria and processes in place for educators to meet registration standards, ensuring consistency and quality in educator qualifications and competencies. | The majority of educators meet the established standards for qualification registration and renewal, indicating a strong alignment between educator qualifications and competencies and program requirements. | Insights from educator registration and renewal processes are leveraged to refine qualification standards and competency frameworks, driving continuous improvement in educator quality and program effectiveness. | |
Information and Guidance | Limited information and guidance are available on micro-credentials. | Efforts are made to incorporate micro-credentials into lifelong learning guidance services. | Micro-credentials are widely promoted and incorporated into guidance services. | Comprehensive information and guidance on micro-credentials are available to diverse learner groups. | Micro-credentials guidance is inclusive and accessible, supporting informed education and career choices. |
There is a lack of comprehensive resources and support for learners seeking information about micro-credential offerings and their potential benefits. | Basic information is provided to learners, but there may be gaps in coverage or accessibility, limiting the effectiveness of guidance services. | There is comprehensive information available to learners through various channels, increasing awareness and accessibility of micro-credential options. | The guidance services are well-integrated into educational and career support systems, ensuring broad access and inclusivity. | The information and guidance services are continuously optimized, leveraging feedback and data to enhance the effectiveness of supporting learners in making informed decisions about micro-credentials. |
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© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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Iatrellis, O.; Samaras, N.; Kokkinos, K. Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Micro-Credential Providers in European Higher Education. Trends High. Educ. 2024, 3, 504-527. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030030
Iatrellis O, Samaras N, Kokkinos K. Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Micro-Credential Providers in European Higher Education. Trends in Higher Education. 2024; 3(3):504-527. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030030
Chicago/Turabian StyleIatrellis, Omiros, Nicholas Samaras, and Konstantinos Kokkinos. 2024. "Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Micro-Credential Providers in European Higher Education" Trends in Higher Education 3, no. 3: 504-527. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030030
APA StyleIatrellis, O., Samaras, N., & Kokkinos, K. (2024). Towards a Capability Maturity Model for Micro-Credential Providers in European Higher Education. Trends in Higher Education, 3(3), 504-527. https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030030