PENANG, 23 January 2021 – Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF) has released its latest publication on Flexible Learning Pathways (FLPs) which is available as a free electronic version on CTEF’s website.

This publication is based on the case study report for the International Institute of Educational Planning – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IIEP-UNESCO) research on ‘SDG4: Planning for Flexible Learning Pathways in Higher Education’ involving eight countries’ case studies in different regions that are developing or have developed initiatives for flexible learning pathways.

IIEP-UNESCO supported the implementation and drafting of this case study report.

The case study on Malaysia is a collaborative effort with National Higher Education Research Institute (IPPTN), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM); Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia; and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

It focused on the linkages between national policies on lifelong learning, with ministry’s strategies, instruments, and practices at the institution level in terms of the benefits of FLPs on non-traditional learners, disadvantaged and marginalised groups.

According to Lead Researcher at IPPTN and USM School of Humanities, Honorary Professor Dato’ Dr. Morshidi Sirat: “Malaysia has many initiatives to support the implementation of flexible learning pathways through its Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), Open Distance Learning (ODL), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and micro-credentials.”

“In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG4, there must be more policies focusing on the equity groups (disadvantaged and the marginalised).

“These should encompass access, teaching and learning experiences, the environment at the institutions, and also completion and transition to the workforce,” he said.

Morshidi added that, the current and post-COVID-19 would demand a more creative and innovative approach to designing and implementing strategies for flexible learning pathways in Malaysia.  

Commonwealth Tertiary Education Facility (CTEF) is located at Block C, Level 2, sains@usm, No. 10, Persiaran Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Tel:+604-653 5760/5767 | Fax: +604-653 5771 | www.ctef.com.my  

Source: IPPTN/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe