The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process by which achievements gained through work or other experiences can be formally recognised and accredited in higher education. It has a role to play in providing accelerated routes for mature students and is particularly relevant to part-time learners. Despite studies showing the potential…

Today's learners demand a new, agile model for education. They need options that are more accessible, flexible, and clearly aligned to careers. And to deliver on that, higher education has to break out of time-bound programs--15-credit hour semesters, two-year and four-year degrees--and concepts of learning that are strictly tied to traditional…

In more fluid higher education environments, the concept of third space has been developed to explore the activities of groups of staff who do not necessarily fit formal institutional descriptors. This paper draws on qualitative data from 26 respondents, in eight UK universities, who described significant elements of their work as occurring…

In recent years, university teaching methods have evolved and almost all higher education institutions use e-learning platforms to deliver courses and learning activities. However, these digital learning environments present significant dropout and low completion rates. This is primarily due to the lack of student motivation and engagement.…

Purpose: Micro-credentials, which have been widely used in re-skilling and skills development, provide advantages for improvement in the professional career. As a complementary approach to career and professional development in formal education, it can be said that micro-credentials are preferred for supporting professional development and/or to…

This article aims to develop enhanced conceptions of the motivational drives that may be imperilled by their encounter with new forms of governance in higher education. Of particular concern are the motivational drives behind creative scientific pursuits associated with the humanities, and their vulnerability in the face of metrics governance and…

The Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 and the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) set out requirements for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and granting credit in the higher education sector. Credit is a recognition of equivalence in content and learning outcomes between different types of learning and/or qualifications. Credit can…

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is often said to facilitate lifelong learning and occurs when already-acquired learning outcomes are officially valued. The education system is a central arena of RPL, allowing facilitated access to or shortening of study programmes. This study explores RPL practices in Switzerland. We ask the following research…

Purpose: Alternative credentials are rapidly evolving. The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from this evolution with particular reference to their role in education and employment. Design/methodology/approach: The paper explores the credential initiatives with a unique perspective from introducing…

Academic development usually focuses on individuals, with activities bounded by institutional strategy. There is a lack of research exploring the emergence of cross-institutional communities of practice and their ability to offer opportunities for professional collaboration, particularly for underrepresented or marginalised groups. Our study…

The attention deserved to the recognition of qualifications (degrees) and competencies acquired elsewhere, as a means for equity and inclusion in education has progressively influenced educational research and also educational policy and decision-making. Different European countries, agreeing with the importance of valorising informal learning,…

At a time when higher education faces serious existential challenges, it is important for stakeholders in higher education to come together to make important decisions that are thoughtful and internally legitimate. Shared governance, a concept that is widely touted yet wildly varied in implementation, is the best path forward for decision makers.…

As higher education institutions around the country have examined approaches for sustaining teaching, learning, and research among faculty, this status report provides an update based on the January 2023 Faculty (Re)engagement Institute. During the edition of the January 2023 Faculty (Re)engagement Institute, participants worked together through…

Award-bearing transnational professional development training has received little attention in the literature. By taking a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, this project's researchers investigated the ways in which participants on a World Bank-funded programme practised leadership at the start of their training, before revisiting them a year…

Education is an inherent right for all individuals, and lack of access to education has remained a significant issue of fairness. Historically underrepresented students have encountered obstacles to achieving academic success within higher education institutions. Efforts and academic studies spanning several decades have concentrated on equalizing…