Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Bruce ClarkUniversity of Manitoba

Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education

Instructional Design in Adult EducationFall 2013

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.

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.

Part 1. What is PLAR?“Two definitions”

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>.

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>.

Part 1. Why PLAR is important?

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

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

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.

Part 1. What is PLAR?“Exercises”

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? _____________ ___________________________________________________________________________

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? ______________________

1. What is PLAR? (exercise)

Part 1. What is PLAR?“Sample answers”

Example:Record knowledge not learnt in school. Driving a car __________________________What is the source of the knowledge? ParentDo 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.

1. What is PLAR? (example 1)

Example:Record knowledge not learnt in school. Use a computer system at work. _________What is the source of knowledge? ColleagueDo 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.

1. What is PLAR? (example 2)

Example:Record knowledge not learnt in school. Engineering Degree from University in India__What is the source of knowledge? UniversityDo 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.

1. What is PLAR? (example 3)

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

Part 1. What is PLAR?“…on the Web”

1. What is PLAR? -- Canadian viewResearch 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-and-recognition-in-canada.canada

• Council for Adult and Experiential Learning http://www.cael.org/pla.htm

Part 1. What is PLAR?“Other Terms”

1. What is PLAR? -- Other TermsPrior 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• …..

Part 1. What is PLAR?“Historical background”

1. What is PLAR? -- Historical• Process of reviewing extra-curricular

(or co-curricular) learning for college-level 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>.

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 assessmentRecognition of prior learning." Wikipedia. 17 Nov. 2013. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 Nov. 2013 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_of_prior_learning>.

1. What is PLAR? -- HistoricalSince 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>.

1. What is PLAR? -- HistoricalSince 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

1. What is PLAR? -- HistoricalFor more Canadian history on PLAR or RFL: • Leah Moss McGill University PhD paper:

http://recognitionforlearning.ca/library/plar-programs-canada

Part 1. What is PLAR?“…end of part 1…”

Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons

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?”

2. PLAR – Pros and ConsFor example, 21st Century Learning1 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>.

2. PLAR – Pros and Cons

At this point, most Canadian educational institutionshave recognized the need to be able to

assess and award prior learning and knowledge.

Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons“exercises”

2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (exercise)Have you ever had an experience whereyour prior learning and, or, knowledge was not recognized? Record your experience here or write a journal entry about this.____________________________________________________________________________

Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons“sample answer”

2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (example1)i. Have you ever had an experience whereyour 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.

2. PLAR – Pros/Cons (example2)ii. Have you ever had an experience whereyour 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.

2. PLAR – Pros and ConsWithout PLAR in our education and

employment systems, …

Individuals will exist who possess knowledge that is not recognized by

their Workplace, Professions, or Schools

Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons“Advantages”

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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. ____________________________________

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom Wikipedia, “Recognition of prior learning”:3. "Validates the worth of learning students have

achieved by themselves4. Enables progression to other programs of study5. 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.

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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

2. PLAR – AdvantagesFrom 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 >.

Part 2. PLAR – Pros and Cons“end of Part 2”

Part 3. PLAR and Canadian Schools

3. PLAR & Canadian SchoolsOn 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

3. PLAR & Canadian ProvincesOn 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

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

Part 3. PLAR and Canadian Schools“exercises”

3. PLAR & Canadian SchoolsFrom the Canadian PLAR websites, note how Canadian institutions are handling PLAR and write a short paper or a journal entry. __________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________

Part 3. PLAR and Canadian Schools“answers”

Part 3. Examples of Canadian handling of PLAR

• Athabasca University• BCIT• Wilfred Laurier **

3. PLAR & Canadian SchoolsAthabasca 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>.

3. PLAR & Canadian SchoolsBCIT• 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>.

3. PLAR & Canadian SchoolsWilfred 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>

Part 4. PLAR Assessment

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/>.

4. PLAR AssessmentOn the web, find 3 different ways Canadian Educational Institutions assessing prior learning.

• Mohawk College – challenge exam• http://

www.mohawkcollege.ca/studentservices/prior-learning-assessment-recognition.html

• U of Toronto – supporting documents• http://

learn.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Prior-Learning-Assessment.pdf

• George Brown College - portfolio• http://www.georgebrown.ca/admissions/how_to_apply/plar/

4. PLAR AssessmentFrom the Canadian PLAR educational websites discussing assessment, write a short answer or journal entry describing assessment methods. __________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________

4. PLAR Assessment Methods1. Algonquin College• Challenge exams, Portfolio2. Thompson Rivers University• Portfolios – Competency or Course-based3. George Brown University • Tested with written or oral exams, interviews, or

case studies• Assessed through a portfolio of your work that

shows your skills.

Part 5. PLAR Formal Evaluation Questions for testing situations

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.

PLAR course - fini