A recent article in The New York Times' "Education Life" section piqued my interest (Sun. Nov. 6, 2011). Sam Kilb describes an initiative by The Department of Veterans Affairs to award $25,000 to someone who develops a "badge" that best serves veterans. "Badge" means recognition for a skill someone has developed outside of a traditional class, internship, work experience, or apprenticeship but that nonetheless has value and relevance to a wide audience. He cites the example of someone who has skills with arts and crafts could have them verified, assessed and awarded by a community group or company.
Although I work within a traditional academic setting, I am fascinated by the idea of rewarding people for the skills they pick up outside that setting. I think when we prioritize formal over informal learning we send a harsh message that only one kind of learner and skill set is valuable. We might also lose opportunities for important innovations and helpful insights that would improve businesses, schools, and organizations.
I'm not sure I'll have the chance to, but I would love to be a part of a movement to bring this kind of credential to my university.
No comments:
Post a Comment