MICRO QUEST: Innovative Quality Evaluation Strategy for Micro-credentials in non-formal VET in Europe
▶Summary
The MICRO QUEST project was established and planned in response to a dramatic change in demand within the VET sector in Europe. This, however, leads to changes in demand regarding vocational educa...
▶Objectives
For the broad implementation and use of micro-credentials in VET as a new approach to offer individual and tailored learning chunks for an increasingly dynamic and flexible group of learners, it was important to research and discuss crucial questions such as: - How are micro-credentials defined in (non-)formal VET? - How could units for micro-credentials be extracted and offered by a non-formal VET provider in Europe? - What possibilities and tools are available for quality assurance and providing mutual trust and recognition of micro-credentials provided by different VET institutions? - How can single micro-credentials be collected and integrated into a larger non-formal training program for learners? - How can digital learning content, lead to micro-credentials? - What is the concrete benefit for learners and VET providers when using the micro-credential approach? All these questions were to be approached, answered, and supported by concrete quality tools with the help of the MICRO QUEST project. With the number of activities planned and implemented in the project, and with the help of the four concrete project results developed.
▶Activities
The overall aim of the MICRO QUEST project was to investigate and develop an approach for identifying and ensuring the quality of micro-credentials in VET in Europe. To achieve this, the project partnership defined four main activity streams: 1. Investigation Research: Conduct research to identify the needs and requirements of VET providers regarding the use of micro-credentials in their training offers, and to identify suitable quality assurance approaches (e.g., EQAVET, ISO, TQM) for defining and awarding micro-credentials. 2. Development of a guideline for VET providers: Create a clear and easy-to-follow guideline for VET providers on how to define and implement micro-credentials, with a special focus on online learning offers. 3. Developmenz of a training Workshop Concept for non formal VET providers: Develop a training workshop for VET providers and external experts on how to define micro-credentials, award them, ensure quality, and achieve mutual recognition of micro-credentials. 4. Development of a network of non formal VET providers: Establish a network of non-formal VET providers across Europe who are interested in or do already offer micro-credentials in various sectors and are committed to quality assurance and mutual trust. This network's micro-credentials would be displayed on an online platform for potential VET learners.
▶Impact
The expected results for the MICRO QUEST project, based on the four activity streams, were as follows: R1: Investigation research on micro-credentials in VET (needs, demands, and quality assurance). R2: Guideline for non-formal VET providers. R3: Training workshop concept for (non)-formal VET providers. R4: Network platform of VET providers for micro-credentials in Europe. All results were to be available in the partner country languages (EN, DE, ES, SI) and accessible for download via the project website. Further outcomes and results included: Project Website and Information Materials: A dedicated project website with core information about the project and download options for all materials developed. The website does also host the link to the online network of VET providers and micro-credentials. Sharing and Promotion Strategy: A comprehensive strategy for sharing and promoting results was to be developed and implemented for all partner organizations. Quality Management Handbook and Reports: Ensuring high product and process quality was crucial for the project's success. One partner organization was specifically responsible for quality management. Multiplier Events: Each partner country would organize one multiplier event to present the project results to a wide group of potential users and multipliers.