Design and Implementation of a Micro-Credential Framework at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Micro-credentials are increasingly recognized as a flexible and targeted mechanism for bridging the divide between traditional higher education and evolving workforce demands. This study details the development and implementation of a micro-credential framework at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand, adapted from the Digital Promise model to align with Thailand’s Outcome-Based Education (OBE) principles. Unlike conventional models that emphasize content mastery alone, this framework prioritizes competency-based assessment, real-world skill validation, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. The framework was constructed through a structured, three-phase methodology: (1) Planning, involving a review of global practices to identify transferable components; (2) Development, aligning competencies, assessments, and digital credentialing with KMUTT’s academic infrastructure; and (3) Application, through pilot implementation in four domains—business, technology, education, and science and engineering. Evaluation was conducted using user participation data, and internal quality review processes to assess usability and learner engagement. During the first year of implementation, 24 micro-credentials were developed and launched across the four categories. Platform usage data indicated increasing learner interest alongside challenges in assessment completion, highlighting the need for learner support and clearer communication of credential value. This paper offers a practical and scalable model for integrating micro-credentials into higher education systems, particularly where OBE is present but lacks mechanisms for verifying applied competencies. It further identifies implementation challenges and outlines directions for future research in credentialing and workforce-aligned educational design.
Source: ASEAN Journal of Education
Authors: Pansuwan, Supaporn, Sithitavorn, Klangjai
Institution: King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7215565393