Australian international education stakeholders will now be able to have their professional experience and work within the industry recognised as part of a new professional benchmark and micro-credential.
The International Education Association of Australia’s Fellowship program will allow members to track their career progress, recognising activities such as conference attendance, foreign language skills and contributions to the broader sector.
“Micro-credentialing and online learning are obviously huge growth areas “
“We all come from diverse backgrounds with various skillsets and qualifications,” said IEAA chief executive Phil Honeywood.
“IEAA’s new Fellowship program aims to enhance our membership offering, attract new talent and promote professionalism across the sector.”
Honeywood added the new Fellowship program provided a much acknowledgement of professional development within international education.
“Unlike many other large service-based industries, such as tourism and accounting, Australia’s international education sector doesn’t have clear career pathways or standardised frameworks for professional recognition,” he explained.
Under the new program, IEAA members receive points for activities undertaken and progress through a tiered system from Associate Fellow through to Senior Fellow. As part of receiving the accolade, members pay to have their experience verified.
The move comes as educators globally look towards providing opportunities for life-long learners, with micro-credentialing seen as an effective means to upskill.
In mid-2019, the European MOOC Consortium launched its Common Microcredential Framework, and IEAA’s Fellowship launch also coincided with the release of a new suite of online learning modules for members.
“Micro-credentialing and online learning are obviously huge growth areas in education,” said Peter Muntz, IEAA’s communications manager.
“While nothing can ever replace the value of a formal qualification, these credentials are a fantastic means to enhance access to professional development and promote the value of lifelong learning.”
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority announced in 2018 that it would formally recognise micro-credentials as part of its qualifications framework.
