This course introduces the student to the topic of PLAR - prior learning assessment and recognition. It is Canadian-based, but this means the references are to Canadian universities and collegs. American or other countries can use the slides with easy changes to the questions where it asks to search for material.
Kodo Millet PPT made by Ghanshyam bairwa college of Agriculture kumher bhara...
Introduction to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
1. Prior Learning
Assessment and Recognition
Bruce Clark
University of Manitoba
Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education
Instructional Design in Adult Education
Fall 2013
2. Objectives (1)
After this course, you will be able:
1. Define PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment
and Recognition) and explain why it is
important?
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages
of PLAR in Adult/Continuing Education.
3. Objectives (2)
3. Explain how Canadian Educational
Institutions are handling PLAR by
outlining different techniques and
methods to identify PLAR.
4. Outline different methods to assess and
recognize prior learning.
5. Part 1. What is PLAR?
… a process helping adults to demonstrate
and obtain recognition for learning that
they acquired outside of formal education
settings. PLAR focuses on adult knowledge
and abilities.
"CICIC Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition in Canada. "CICIC Prior Learning
Assessment and Recognition in Canada. 21 Nov. 2013
<http://www.cicic.ca/412/Prior_Learning_Assessment_and_Recognition_in_Canada
_.canada>.
6. Part 1. What is PLAR?
… describes a process used by colleges
and universities around the world to
evaluate learning acquired outside the
classroom for the purpose of assigning
academic credit.
"Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23
Nov. 2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
8. Part 1. What is PLAR?
Adults consist of a wealth of different types
of knowledge. Some of the sources are:
•
•
•
•
•
Formal education (Grade 1-12)
Elders, mentors, family members, colleagues
Experiences, challenges and opportunities
Leisure time activities, and recreation
Self study
9. 1. What is PLAR?
Other sources of adult knowledge include:
• Raising families
• Places of employment
• Personal life experiences:
sickness, death, healing, birth, and more
• From the world around us – close & far
10. 1. What is PLAR?
PLAR is also important for individuals who
are immigrating to Canada from different
countries. Their education system is not
the same of Canada’s … their educational
achievements are not, or may not be,
recognized in Canada … requiring these
individuals to retake some or all of their
schooling.
12. 1. What is PLAR (exercise)
Think about your sources of knowledge away
from any formal education. This exercise is
meant to illustrate how PLAR is already in your
life and we are not aware of it.
Record knowledge not learnt in school.
______________________________________
What is the source of the knowledge? _______
______________________________________
Do you value this knowledge? _____________
______________________________________
13. 1. What is PLAR? (exercise)
Was this knowledge ever formally tested ?
_____________________________________
Has it helped you out in your life (either an
advantageous fashion or to avoid situations or
problems?) ____________________________
Could this knowledge be taught in a formal
education setting? ______________________
15. 1. What is PLAR? (example 1)
Example:
Record knowledge not learnt in school.
Driving a car __________________________
What is the source of the knowledge? Parent
Do you value this knowledge? Yes, very much.
Was this knowledge ever tested? Yes, License.
Has it helped? Yes, very much. Drive to
work, on weekends for recreational pursuits.
Could this knowledge be taught in a formal
education setting? Yes, Driver’s Education.
16. 1. What is PLAR? (example 2)
Example:
Record knowledge not learnt in school.
Use a computer system at work. _________
What is the source of knowledge? Colleague
Do you value this knowledge? Yes, very much.
Was this knowledge ever tested? _No______
Has it helped? Yes, very much. Use computer
at work and at home___________________
Could this knowledge be taught in a formal
education setting? Yes, computer class at work.
17. 1. What is PLAR? (example 3)
Example:
Record knowledge not learnt in school.
Engineering Degree from University in India__
What is the source of knowledge? University
Do you value this knowledge? Yes, very much.
Was this knowledge ever tested? Yes._______
Has it helped? No because came to Canada__
and engineering degree was not recognized._
Could this knowledge be taught/re-taught?
Yes, could go to Canadian engineering school.
18. 1. What is PLAR? (example 4)
Summary of Sources of Prior Learning
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Employment
Faith-based
Volunteering
Home and Family
Friends and Acquaintances
Artist endeavor
Sporting pursuit
Travel
Reading
20. 1. What is PLAR? -- Canadian view
Research PLAR associations on the web. Access
the following sites and journal any findings:
• Canadian Assn. of Prior Learning
http://capla.ca/
• Canadian Information Centre for
International Credentials
http://www.cicic.ca/412/prior-learning-assessment-andrecognition-in-canada.canada
• Council for Adult and Experiential
Learning http://www.cael.org/pla.htm
22. 1. What is PLAR? -- Other Terms
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition can
be called by other terms or acronyms:
• RPL: Recognition of Prior Learning
• PLA: Prior Learning Assessment
• RFL: Recognition For Learning
• …..
24. 1. What is PLAR? -- Historical
• Process of reviewing extra-curricular
(or co-curricular) learning for collegelevel credits has been used in the
United States since the 1930’s
• Concentrated research and study into
the area emerging since the 1970’s
•
"Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov.
2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
25. 1. What is PLAR? -- Historical
• Initial research into the assessment practice
and implementation of prior learning was
conducted by the Educational Testing Service.
• Became independent non-profit organization
“Council for Adult & Experiential Learning”
(CAEL) dedicated to prior learning assessment
Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov.
2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
26. 1. What is PLAR? -- Historical
Since 1974, CAEL (Council for Adult and
Experiential Learning) has
• Dealt with post-secondary institutions
• Established and disseminated standards
for the awarding of credit through
assessment
Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov. 2013
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
27. 1. What is PLAR? -- Historical
Since 1974 CAEL (… continued ….)
• Trained faculty evaluators and
administrators in PLAR practices,
• Conducted research on the outcomes
of these efforts and disseminate it to
the postsecondary community
28. 1. What is PLAR? -- Historical
For more Canadian history on PLAR or RFL:
• Leah Moss McGill University PhD paper:
http://recognitionforlearning.ca/library
/plar-programs-canada
31. Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons
“Disadvantage of Knowledge” in 21st
Century Learning ……..
“How to get other schools or individuals
to recognize the amount and quantity of
this knowledge?”
32. 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons
21st
1
For example,
Century Learning is a
Province of BC website directed at learning
technology in the new century.
But, typing PLAR into the site’s search bar
produces no results for the topic!
1
"21st Century Learning." 21st Century Learning. 23 Nov. 2013
<http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/dist_learning/21century_learning.htm>.
33. 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons
At this point,
most Canadian educational institutions
have recognized the need to be able to
assess and award prior learning
and knowledge.
35. 2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (exercise)
Have you ever had an experience where
your prior learning and, or, knowledge was
not recognized?
Record your experience here or write a
journal entry about this.
______________________________________
______________________________________
37. 2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (example1)
i. Have you ever had an experience where
your prior learning and, or, knowledge was
not recognized?
In 2013, author took a COBOL course because
not in required St. Lawrence College program for
proper recognition. It was “easier” to take the
COBOL course, and another mainframe
course, than be assessed because switching
programs.
38. 2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (example2)
ii. Have you ever had an experience where
your prior learning and, or, knowledge was
not recognized?
In 2013, students in the St. Lawrence Law Clerk
program had to take a general arts elective
because they could not get the paperwork from
their previous colleges.
39. 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons
Without PLAR in our education and
employment systems, …
Individuals will exist who possess
knowledge that is not recognized by
their Workplace, Professions, or Schools
41. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From the PLAR websites mentioned previously,
or other ones you can locate using a search
engine, list at least three advantages of PLAR
below or in your journal.
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. ____________________________________
42. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From Wikipedia, “Recognition of prior learning”:
"Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov.
2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
1. Facilitates access for 'non-traditional' students people who may not have the opportunity to do
further study can obtain higher qualifications
2. Acknowledges value of learning outside a formal
setting, e.g. values and recognizes learning in
the workplace
43. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From Wikipedia, “Recognition of prior learning”:
3. "Validates the worth of learning students have
achieved by themselves
4. Enables progression to other programs of study
5. Eliminates unnecessary repetition and
duplication of material already familiar to the
student. Public (and private) money is better used
because people who already have skills and
knowledge are not re-trained.
44. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From Wikipedia, “Recognition of prior learning”:
6. Shortens the time necessary to earn a
qualification - this motivates students who
might otherwise be discouraged by the length of
time required to complete a college level course
or a particular program of study
7. Enhances students' pride and self-esteem for
what they have accomplished as learners
8. Enhances students' perception and
understanding of learning as a lifelong process
45. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From University of Winnipeg
To the Learner: encourages learners to pursue education by
increasing access
• validates appropriate learning gained through work and life
experiences
• decreases duplication of learning
• identifies areas of competence and areas requiring further
study
• increases self-esteem
• may reduce the time and expense to acquire a credential
46. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From University of Winnipeg (continued)
To the Faculty:
• furthers the development of adult learning and teaching
practices
• broadens understanding of assessment and evaluation
• increases knowledge of PLAR processes through professional
development opportunities
• maintains currency of theory
47. 2. PLAR – Advantages
From University of Winnipeg (continued)
To the University:
• increases student recruitment and retention
• enhances the image of the institution (i.e. flexible and
responsive to change)
• allows for more appropriate learner placement in programs
• increases accessibility to a broad range of learners
• provides an important service for the community and
business
"Prior Learning Assessment.” Adult Learner Services. University of Winnipeg . 24 Nov. 2013
<http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/adult-learner-plar >.
50. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
On the web, locate 3 different types of Canadian
Educational Institutions handling PLAR. (Try …)
• Athabasca University (correspondence)
• http://priorlearning.athabascau.ca/how-PLAR-works.php
• BCIT (college)
• http://www.bcit.ca/admission/transfer/plar.shtml
• University of the Fraser Valley
• http://www.ufv.ca/plar/
• University of Winnipeg
• http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/adult-learner-plar
51. 3. PLAR & Canadian Provinces
On the web, locate examples of how Canadian
provinces are handling PLAR,
• Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment &
Recognition (PLAR) Manual
http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ael/all/plar/manual_06.pdf
52. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
• On YouTube, locate minimum 3 videos how
Canadian Educational Institutions handle
PLAR,
• Algonquin College
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkOkQ6FaE68
• Confederation College, Thunder Bay
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdo1qg3j9PM
• Red River College (Lauren Waples)
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRb57Qq9q_o
54. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
From the Canadian PLAR websites, note how
Canadian institutions are handling PLAR and
write a short paper or a journal entry.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________________________
56. Part 3. Examples of
Canadian handling of PLAR
•
•
•
Athabasca University
BCIT
Wilfred Laurier **
57. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
Athabasca University
• Student enrolls in AU program and asks assessment
• Mentor is assigned who requests a portfolio
demonstrating how non-formal learning should count
toward the credential being pursued
• Portfolio materials are assessed by experts including
academic faculty in the program for which you are
seeking credit
"How PLAR Works." Centre for Learning Accreditation : Athabasca University.
24 Nov. 2013 <http://priorlearning.athabascau.ca/how-PLAR-works.php>.
58. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
BCIT
• Student reviews course descriptions and decides if has
competency, and documentation, to challenge
• Notifies Program Department
• Department collects documentation and assigns an
Assessor who decides upon assessment technique: e.g.
• Assignments, Demonstrations, Documentation, Exams
, Interviews, Portfolio
• Prior learning recognized
"Transfer Credit : Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition” BCIT Admission &
Registration 24 Nov. 2013 <http://www.bcit.ca/admission/transfer/plar.shtml>.
59. 3. PLAR & Canadian Schools
Wilfred Laurier
•
•
•
•
Transfer credit will be assessed at the time of admission
if official final transcripts and official course
descriptions have been submitted from United
States/Canadian/Non-North American universities
Colleges inside and outside North American
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate
Wilfrid Laurier University does not grant PLAR credits
“Transfer Credit” Wilfrid Laurier University. 28 Nov. 2013
<http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=2256>
61. Part 4. PLAR Assessment?
What is it?
•
process that reviews learning that may have been
mastered through a variety of life experiences
"Recognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov. 2013
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.
•
helps people reflect on, identify, organize, and
describe learning throughout their life
Overview." Prior Learning Centre. 28 Nov. 2013 http://www.priorlearning.ca/>.
62. 4. PLAR Assessment
On the web, find 3 different ways Canadian
Educational Institutions assessing prior learning.
• Mohawk College – challenge exam
• http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/studentservices/prior-learning-assessmentrecognition.html
• U of Toronto – supporting documents
• http://learn.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Prior-LearningAssessment.pdf
• George Brown College - portfolio
• http://www.georgebrown.ca/admissions/how_to_apply/plar/
63. 4. PLAR Assessment
From the Canadian PLAR educational websites
discussing assessment, write a short answer
or journal entry describing assessment methods.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________________________
64. 4. PLAR Assessment Methods
1. Algonquin College
• Challenge exams, Portfolio
2. Thompson Rivers University
• Portfolios – Competency or Course-based
3. George Brown University
• Tested with written or oral exams, interviews, or
case studies
• Assessed through a portfolio of your work that
shows your skills.
65. Part 5. PLAR Formal Evaluation
Questions for testing situations
66. 4. PLAR Assessment
• In your own words, write the description of PLAR (Prior Learning
Assessment and Recognition) and specify at least three aspects that
make it important in the education sphere.
• PLAR is a educational concept that will not be going away. However,
is it good or bad? Write a comparison paper of the two positions by
providing at least two pros and cons of PLAR.
• Most education agencies in Canada has a PLAR program. Write a
short paper in which you will compare 2 PLAR programs by giving a
full description of the program design, methods and assessment.
• Write a reflection paper about being assessed in a PLAR program by
detailing your own knowledge, what motivated you to apply for
PLAR and the results of the application, the assessment process and
how much was recognized in the end.
