NextGen: HN - Meta-skills
Next Gen HN courses will include the development of meta-skills as part of their core content. This is intended to complement vocational and technical aspects of each course and to give students personal skills for future leverage and articulation. The meta-skills framework consists of a number of generic skills to adapt and perform well regardless of context, and they cover development of self-management, social intelligence and innovation.
Employers, Lecturers and Training Providers have always helped learners to develop their meta-skills in one way or another, even if they haven’t used this term. By formally including meta-skills now, we can make this support much more visible, and learners will be better able to actively plan, recognise and articulate their personal development. Being able to do this is crucial for the lifelong acquisition of professional practice and behaviours.
The meta-skills model used in Next Gen HN is that developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and the Centre for Work-based Learning Scotland. These are described in the paper Skills 4.0: a skills model to drive Scotland’s future.
SQA Academy Resources
The resources below are designed to support practitioners and learners as they develop their understanding of meta-skills. We will be adding further materials as the development progresses.
Practitioner module
This course offers information and guidance for practitioners about the inclusion, delivery, and assessment of meta-skills in NextGen: HN qualifications.
NextGen: HN – Meta-skills for Practitioners
Learner modules
This suite of online resources is designed specifically for NextGen: HN learners to help them better understand and work with meta-skills. The courses can complement teaching and learning activities or be used on a stand-alone basis, for independent working. They ask learners to consider the relevance and benefits of meta-skill development to their own life, study and work, and guide learners through the process of meta-skills development.
NextGen: HN – Meta-skills for Learners
General module
This general course on meta-skills provides a basic introduction to meta-skills and processes of self-reflection. Whilst it is not NextGen: HN specific, it can be used to develop understanding, either as a stand-alone for learners to work through, or as part of teaching and learning activities.