TAM Report / Bosnia and Herzegovina - Flexible learning pathways

GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Flexible Learning Paths: Gen Z and Micro-credentials

Type of Event: Seminar

Modality: Online

Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Dates: 12 and 13 December 2024

Participants: The event brought together students, professors, high-school representatives, and other stakeholders from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participation ranged from 20–25 attendees. 

THEMES COVERED

• Generation Z: characteristics, needs, preferences, and myths
• Communication between students and professors
• Micro-credentials: design, implementation, quality, and ECTS
• Flexible learning pathways and personalised learning
• Higher education policy and quality assurance within the EHEA
• Labour-market relevance and evolving skill demands

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop, participants:

• Gained a clearer understanding of Gen Z students and their needs
• Strengthened their ability to design and implement micro-credentials
• Practiced defining learning outcomes and allocating ECTS
• Engaged in meaningful dialogue and collaboration between students and professors
• Co-created and evaluated two micro-credentials
• Increased their awareness of labour-market demands and flexible learning pathways

OVERVIEW

The two-day Technical Assistance Mission offered participants a structured and engaging exploration of Generation Z learners and the development of micro-credentials. Day 1 introduced key concepts related to the characteristics, needs, and learning preferences of Generation Z students. Participants also received insights into the European Higher Education Area, quality assurance considerations, and findings from the Bologna With Student Eyes publication. A strong emphasis was placed on dispelling common myths about Gen Z and addressing communication gaps between students and professors. Interactive tools such as Mentimeter helped foster dialogue and brought both groups into a constructive exchange, underscoring the importance of recognising generational needs within higher education. 

Day 2 moved into practical work on micro-credentials and flexible learning pathways. Following introductory lectures, students collaborated in groups—guided by professors—to design two micro-credentials, which they later presented and had evaluated for quality. This hands-on process enabled participants to directly engage with the principles and practical steps involved in micro-credential development, including defining learning outcomes and allocating ECTS credits.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

Title of the activity: Public panel discussion and focus group with students

Dates: 27 and 30 December 2024

Audience: Students and young people, academic community, representatives of companies and labour market, representatives of relevant authorities

Description: The event marked the first public discussion bringing together students, youth, and employers to openly address the needs and expectations of Generation Z within higher education. Its significance lay in revealing a substantial gap between what young people require and what the system currently provides. The panel discussion explored Gen Z students’ views on higher education, their career aspirations, and the persistent disparities between educational pathways and labour-market demands. A central message that emerged was the urgent need to actively involve young people in shaping strategic documents in higher education and education more broadly, ensuring that future policies genuinely reflect their realities, priorities, and aspirations.

A dedicated focus group with students from Sarajevo Canton further examined youth satisfaction with the formal education system. Through open dialogue and complementary survey responses, participants articulated clear perspectives on the system’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the areas most requiring improvement. The discussion underscored that young people in Sarajevo Canton are seeking an education system that is modern, practical, and adaptable to their needs. Addressing these expectations, the event highlighted, would significantly enhance both student satisfaction and learning outcomes in the region.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS

• Develop a national strategy for integrating micro-credentials into higher education.
• Establish partnerships with the private sector to enhance the relevance and recognition of micro-credentials.
• Invest in faculty development to strengthen the design and delivery of flexible learning pathways.
• Create a national or cantonal platform for ongoing discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing on student needs.
• Ensure regular evaluation of generational needs to keep teaching practices aligned with evolving student expectations.
• Increase the involvement of students in designing micro-credentials and other educational innovations.
• Consider integrating micro-credentials into short-term exchange programmes to strengthen mobility opportunities.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

• Nuffic (n.d.). The Micro-Evaluator. Available at: https://www.nuffic.nl/en/subjects/recognition-projects/the-micro-evaluator
• European Union (2022). Micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability – Council Recommendation (Summary). Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/micro-credentials-for-lifelong-learning-and-employability-recommendations.html
• European Commission (2022). Micro-credentials: A new definition and overall approach (updated brochure). Available at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/micro-credentials%20brochure%20updated.pdf