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Efficacy of Micro-Credential Learning Environments for Developing Students' 21st Century Skills: Toward Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

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Title: Efficacy of Micro-Credential Learning Environments for Developing Students' 21st Century Skills: Toward Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Language: English
Authors: Chinaza Solomon Ironsi (ORCID 0000-0001-8644-710X), Sarah Solomon Ironsi
Source: International Journal of Educational Management. 2026 40(1-2):176-193.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: 21st Century Skills, Sustainable Development, Microcredentials, Skill Development, Undergraduate Students, Artificial Intelligence, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Objectives, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Student Attitudes, Private Colleges, Program Effectiveness
DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-07-2024-0379
ISSN: 0951-354X
1758-6518
Abstract: Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of micro-credential learning environments in fostering students' 21st-century skills, specifically emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach: The study utilized a mixed-methods research methodology, which involved analyzing 21st century skill improvements quantitatively and gathering qualitative insights from student experiences. The study sample consisted of 150 undergraduate students currently enrolled in micro-credential programs. The programs integrated online modules, interactive projects and collaborative activities designed to replicate real-world situations and their corresponding answers. Findings: Evidence indicates that students engaged in the micro-credential programs significantly enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy. The study indicates that micro-credential learning environments successfully transmits essential 21st-century abilities to students. It implies that educational institutions and policymakers should include micro-credentials in their programs to better equip students to tackle future societal problems and maximize opportunities. Originality/value: This study provides insights into the potential of micro-credentials in developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills and provides a pedagogical strategy for actualizing SDG 4 mandates.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503051
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Efficacy of Micro-Credential Learning Environments for Developing Students' 21st Century Skills: Toward Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Chinaza+Solomon+Ironsi%22">Chinaza Solomon Ironsi</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8644-710X">0000-0001-8644-710X</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sarah+Solomon+Ironsi%22">Sarah Solomon Ironsi</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Educational+Management%22"><i>International Journal of Educational Management</i></searchLink>. 2026 40(1-2):176-193.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: 18
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%2221st+Century+Skills%22">21st Century Skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sustainable+Development%22">Sustainable Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Microcredentials%22">Microcredentials</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Skill+Development%22">Skill Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Artificial+Intelligence%22">Artificial Intelligence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technology+Uses+in+Education%22">Technology Uses in Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Objectives%22">Educational Objectives</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Critical+Thinking%22">Critical Thinking</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Problem+Solving%22">Problem Solving</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Attitudes%22">Student Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Private+Colleges%22">Private Colleges</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/IJEM-07-2024-0379
– Name: ISSN
  Label: ISSN
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  Data: 0951-354X<br />1758-6518
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of micro-credential learning environments in fostering students' 21st-century skills, specifically emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach: The study utilized a mixed-methods research methodology, which involved analyzing 21st century skill improvements quantitatively and gathering qualitative insights from student experiences. The study sample consisted of 150 undergraduate students currently enrolled in micro-credential programs. The programs integrated online modules, interactive projects and collaborative activities designed to replicate real-world situations and their corresponding answers. Findings: Evidence indicates that students engaged in the micro-credential programs significantly enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy. The study indicates that micro-credential learning environments successfully transmits essential 21st-century abilities to students. It implies that educational institutions and policymakers should include micro-credentials in their programs to better equip students to tackle future societal problems and maximize opportunities. Originality/value: This study provides insights into the potential of micro-credentials in developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills and provides a pedagogical strategy for actualizing SDG 4 mandates.
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        Value: 10.1108/IJEM-07-2024-0379
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 18
        StartPage: 176
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: 21st Century Skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Sustainable Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microcredentials
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      – SubjectFull: Skill Development
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      – SubjectFull: Undergraduate Students
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      – SubjectFull: Artificial Intelligence
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      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Objectives
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      – SubjectFull: Critical Thinking
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      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Private Colleges
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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