Educator micro-credentials as a competency-based, personalized, on-demand, shareable professional learning design¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The report defines educator micro-credentials as an emerging learning design with four defining features: "They are competency-based, personalized, on-demand, and shareable." Educators select a discrete skill tied to practice, student needs, or school goals, learn the method, and submit evidence such as a classroom video, which experts assess; earned credentials and portfolios can then be displayed to signal competence. The report frames this as an on-ramp for meeting classroom-specific professional learning needs.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• An agile online platform that clearly identifies the competency associated with each micro-credential as well as the required evidence

Constraints¶

• Micro-credentials don't exist in a vacuum: they function within a larger context of needs, resources, and formal and informal learning opportunities

Target Learners¶

• classroom teachers
• librarians
• instructional coaches
• principals

Target Learning Objectives¶

• discrete instructional skills tied to student needs and school goals

Claims¶

• Micro-credentials incorporate prominent features of effective professional development: they are content-focused, job-embedded, and incorporate active learning [+W]

Related Theories¶

• The micro-credential ecosystem of issuers, earners, and recognizers
• Standards for Professional Learning as a seven-standard framework for results-oriented educator learning
• Digital Promise quality-assurance framework for research-backed, evidence-based micro-credentials
• Three-player micro-credential ecosystem
• Four design features of educator micro-credentials

Examples¶

• Micro Credentials And Badging
• Digital Open Badges
• Attach micro-credentials to district initiatives, incentives, and job-embedded structures to strengthen professional learning systems
• Expand micro-credential systems into seven future content areas
• Personalize professional development by differentiating it and assigning educators by strengths and student needs

Key Sources¶

• Crow, T. (contributing author Pipkin, H.). (2017). Micro-credentials for Impact: Holding Professional Learning to High Standards. Learning Forward and Digital Promise. https://www.digitalpromise.org/micro-credentials