The Union of Theory and Skill

Using Micro-Credential Coursework as Class Supplement

Abstract

Within the realm of higher education, the question of how to respond to the notable surge in demand for micro-credentials has sparked intense debate. This contentious response to micro-credentials, which in many ways revolves around the tension between teaching theory versus skills, brings to the forefront a long-standing dilemma faced by Technical and Professional Writing (TPW) instructors. How can we effectively strike a balance between teaching critical reasoning based on TPW theory and teaching the practical skills necessary to develop a robust employment portfolio? In this paper, I aim to explore how the skills-based competencies associated with micro-credential coursework can be effectively utilized as a course supplement to enrich the learning experience in the TPW classroom.