English Language Teaching And Micro-credentials: What Next?

Abstract

In response to the demand for more flexible and learner-centred forms of education and training, shorter forms of learning opportunities are being developed across European and US universities in the form of micro-credentials. This suggests a move away from the traditional semester-long core or elective courses with 6-12 credits that universities have predominantly offered so far. The idea of micro-credits is based on the premise that varying degrees of learning can happen many times throughout the day or week but that these require materials and delivery, testing, and validation in bite sized, skill-focused chunks. Virtual and blended-learning formats such as MOOCs and SPOCs that students can enroll in in their own time from the convenience of their own location, can further facilitate acquisition of micro-credits. Hong Kong higher education broadly, and English language teaching Centres more specifically, have yet to seriously consider this trend. However, this may possibly be one of the key directions in which the future of language education is headed. This talk outlines how a micro-credit system can be adopted at language centres to enable students to customise their learning pathways based on their own personal, academic and professional needs. For example, a student keen to improve his/her English-speaking skills may earn a certificate in English pronunciation through a one-week summer programme, and earn a badge in public speaking by rehearsing for and participating in a Toastmaster’s event, both of which can count towards the accumulation of his/her micro-credits.