Micro-certification in DepEd’s Alternative Learning System

SEAMEO INNOTECH Youth Summit – June 27-28th 2023

The Challenge – High number of out-of-school youth

2.6 million OSCY aged 6-19 (APIS 2020); majority coming from the bottom 40% of the population

The Context – DepEd’s Alternative Learning System

• Second-chance parallel basic education, offers Accreditation & Equivalency and caters to out-of-school youth, and adults and children in special cases
• Began as DepEd Non-Formal Education in the 1990s
• ALS 2.0 curriculum aligned with K-12, practical approach using 6 learning themes
• Access is via Community Learning Centers – DepEd-run and those by partners

Unfortunately, the number of OSCY who enroll, complete and pass the ALS programs is quite low.

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From 2016 to 2018

> 65% of ALS enrollees completed the A&E Program

> 27% sat the exam

> 18% passed

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Majority of enrollees leave the program without certification of any learning they have acquired.

The Innovation – Micro-certification for ALS

WHAT

Micro-certification is the credentialing of the attainment of small units or circumscribed areas of learning. 

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Micro-certification capabilities are work readiness skills important for employability and lifelong learning.

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WHY

Allow learners at various ages/stages to demonstrate what they know and can do and provide a form of recognition of their skills.

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USES

• Employability
• Skills training
• Formative assessment for ALS learning interventions

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Figure: Potential design for a micro-certificate

Possible use: different combinations required for different job roles, e.g.

• sales person
• events organizer
• inventory personnel
• government office clerk

The Innovation – Micro-certification for ALS

The Life Skills modules of the ALS program are the source of the capabilities assessed, as these capabilities or work-readiness skills are essential for success in the workplace and highly valued by employers.

Developmental progression for Communication

The Results – Findings of the Feasibility Study

• Trialed model of micro-certification would be a welcome and successful innovation in ALS

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• shift in assessment and qualification to competency and standards-based
• shows progression, overcomes the traditional problem of pass/fail accreditation
• adds value for learners & employers
• focuses on learning not usually assessed

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• Valid & reliable instrument // Easy to follow process
• High levels of satisfaction from pilot participants

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• A 5-year costed roadmap was prepared for the nationwide implementation of this pioneering capability assessment and credentialing mechanism in the country’s basic education system.

Micro-, small, and medium-scale enterprises (mSMEs) would be more open to micro-certification more than big companies.

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> employers highly regard an applicant’s interpersonal and 21st century skills, i.e. attitude or work ethic, communication skills, and analytical thinking.

The Requirements

Perceived challenges: trust & acceptance, capacity, investment, sustainability

The Ways Forward – Nationwide operationalization

Target: operationalizing ALS life skills micro-certification nationwide

The Ways Forward – Nationwide operationalization

Target: operationalizing ALS life skills micro-certification nationwide

Open discussion and Q&A

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Thank you!