米国高等教育におけるマイクロクレデンシャルの展開 : リスキリング・アップスキリング機能としての新たな役割と課題

This paper explores recent trends in microcredentials within US higher education, in the context of reskilling and upskilling initiatives. To provide context, it examines the perspectives of employers and learners regarding degrees and microcredentials in US society. Additionally, it investigates how higher education institutions are integrating microcredentials in various ways to meet societal demands while uncovering the realities and challenges associated with these endeavors.
While traditional university degrees have historically been highly valued by employers, there has been a recent shift towards prioritizing skills over degrees. The urgent need to address skills shortages in the US labor market has led to a significant increase in learners opting for short-term courses to obtain skill-based microcredentials instead of enrolling in traditional degree programs. In response to declining enrollment in degree programs due to factors such as an aging population and rising tuition costs, some higher education institutions are incorporating microcredentials into their strategies. Their aim is to attract new cohorts of learners to enhance diversity and expand revenue streams. Moving forward, the positioning of US higher education institutions will be closely scrutinized as they bolster reskilling initiatives through collaboration and competition with private providers.