Prior Learning Assessment - What's that got to do with me?

Have you ever participated in a course or program in which you realized that you already had knowledge and skill related to most or all of the course? In other words, the course was really a repetition of learning you had done elsewhere. Perhaps this course was required for you to continue on in a program, but in reality, participation was not a good use of your time and energy. If so, then you would have been a candidate for a PLA process.

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a process which uses a variety of tools to help learners reflect on, identify, describe and demonstrate past learning which has been acquired through study, work and other life experiences. PLA allows the evaluation of past learning against established academic standards so that credit can be awarded.
If you work in a postsecondary educational system, you may participate in this process by:

• identifying a learner who would benefit from a PLA process
• assess a learner who has requested a PLA process

Background and Context

In 1993, the Ontario Government announced implementation of prior learning assessment for adult learners in the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology.

The underlying assumption related to PLA is that learning is a lifelong process and can occur in meaningful ways outside of formal educational institutions. This learning is transferable to an academic environment and should be formally recognized.

Some common terms associated with PLA:

• Challenge Process:
  
  A method of assessment administered by faculty to measure an individual's learning achievement in reference to the essential requirements of a course. It measures demonstrated learning for the purpose of awarding credit without requiring enrolment in that course.
  Types of challenges could include tests, oral interview, demonstration of skills, production of art, reports etc.
  
• Experiential Learning:
  
  Learning which has been acquired through self-directed study, paid and voluntary work, non college courses and other life experiences, and which is not recognized through transfer of credit mechanisms.
  
• College Level Learning:
  
  Learning accomplishments which are equivalent to the knowledge, skills and values expected from a college course.
  
• Portfolio:
  
  A formally presented document which describes learning achieved from prior experience, articulates the learning towards specific college course requirements, and shows validation or proof through third party documentation and other forms of evidence.

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(Source: Algonquin College in publication: "Prior Learning Assessment: Guidelines for Effective Practices" Prepared by Prior Learning Assessment Office, March, 1995.)