Navigating micro-credentials: An analysis of student needs, perceptions and skills development at a Slovenian university

Igor Rižnar

Abstract

In this paper, the author analysed the responses to a questionnaire about micro-credentials of several groups of students studying at the Faculty of Management, University of Primorska in Slovenia in order to see how familiar they were with the concept, their perceived value of micro-credentials and their willingness to participate in such short courses. The study showed, first, that only a small number of students were well-acquainted with the concept; second, that students would be willing to attend such courses; third, that there were substantial differences between different groups of students regarding what they thought they needed the most. Based on the research, the author saw the potential of micro-credentials not only for bridging the skills gap and catering for labour market need, but also for acquiring new skills, upskilling and - in the case of Slovenian undergraduate and postgraduate students - for timely completion of their studies.

Keywords: competencies, employability, lifelong learning, micro-credentials, skills, upskilling

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