I Already Know That! How can you help your client achieve formal recognition of their prior learning ASPECT Conference Thursday, November 2, 2017 3:30-5:00 BCIT-Justine Arsenault DC- Lori Woods & Jules Andre-Brown VCC-Tanis Sawkins
• Who are we? • Some useful terminology and definitions: PLAR = Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition RPL = Recognition of Prior Learning
We want to know about you….. On a scale of 1 – 5, how much do you know about Prior Learning Assessment ?
PLAR / RPL • individuals identify, document, have assessed and gain recognition for their prior learning • learning may be formal, informal, non-formal, or experiential • can be undertaken for several purposes • a wide variety of tools can be used alone or in combination for experiential learning and competency assessment Canadian Association of Prior Learning (CAPLA) http://capla.ca/what-is-rpl/
What makes an ideal candidate? Someone who has: 1. Related work experience of >2-5 years 2. Depth and breadth within that experience 3. Appreciation of type and amount of evidence required 4. Reflection skills 5. …
Discussion • Please, turn to the person on your right….. “What kind of evidence could be used to show a PLAR candidate’s competencies as a (for example)”: - Cook - Human service worker - Crane operator - your job!
PLAR provider practitioners are looking for evidence of competencies that have: • Relevance • Validity • Sufficiency • Currency • Quality • Authenticity • And that are compatible with what their program, job, training offers
Matching prior learning to the education & training programs and employment WHAT YOU KNOW A t t C T O r V r S t M i a a r k P b a C l i E i V S S O S i S u T u n a k l C k c c C U k n k E O S o o t O l i e i i R l i U k i u u i U N l u l e R i r r S R s n l l s n C s l s s l s e l E l s l e l e e g g Y e
Examples of PLAR models from Industry/trades and Post secondary Athabasca U - varied BCIT-Business programs BC Crane Safety- Crane Operator Douglas College- Human Services Thompson Rivers U – Liberal Arts + U Fraser Valley- Adult Education Vancouver Community College – Culinary Arts
Athabasca University http://priorlearning.athabascau.ca/how-PLAR-works.php#video
BCIT Advanced Placement & Prior Learning (APPL) Pathways Considering the cumulative knowledge of training and experience, we create personalized education pathways for individuals or organizations.
BCIT APPL Pathway Model Two Year Diploma One Year Degree 2 nd year of Bachelor of APPL Assessment Diploma/Advanced Business Diploma Administration May require program 9 months FT 8 - 12 months FT specific bridging 1 – 2 years PT 1.5 – 3 years PT courses
BC Crane Safety
Douglas College DACS PLAR = “I know what you teach in this course and can prove it” 1. Pre-requisite: > 2 years FTE experience in disability field 2. Receive up to 75% of credential via PLAR & transfer credit 3. Submit short Pre-PLAR self-assessment 4. Acceptance into program 5. Register in CCSD 1100: Online PLAR course 1 st evidence 6. Pay $10.00/credit for courses PLARed Narrative Writing 7. Learner provides 3 pieces of evidence/course learning outcome Respectful 8. Complete in 1-2 semester(s) Cheaper Faster 9. See DACS PLAR backgrounder for criteria & details 3 rd evidence 2 nd evidence Interview &/or Knowledge Supporting Quizzes Documents 2018-06-06 14
Regulatory bodies who are also BCPLAN members Applied Science Technologist & Industry Training Authority Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) (ITA ) • Leads & coordinates BC’s • Regulates the standards of skilled trades system training & practice and • It works with: employers, protects the interests of the employees, industry, labour, public for its Engineering training providers & Technologist members government to: • Sets & maintains academic, – issue credentials experience & professional – manage apprenticeships practice standards – set program standards increase opportunities
Thompson Rivers University & Open Learning Credit Bank https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=UAasP_pJGDU
UFV- Adult Ed Department
VCC-Culinary Arts 1) Apply to ITA 2) Verify application 3) Approved to Challenge 4) Complete requirements 5) Receive Credentials
Words of wisdom from an expert: a successful PLAR candidate 1. How did you learn about PLAR and was the connection process straightforward? 2. In a word or on a scale of 1-10 describe the experience… 3. What is your best advice to future PLAR candidates? 4. What specific words of wisdom do you have for ASPECT members?
Discussion • Now, please turn to the person on your left “How would YOU start to prepare a client for a PLAR process ?”
How to best introduce you client to PLAR and help them prepare • Typically applicants have no idea that the process the application process where they are asked to describe and give examples of their current competencies compared to our certification standards • The number one starting point is for the person to identify their strengths, interests and career goal. • Researching and exploring existing resources is the next step for practitioners and their clients.
Tips on keeping your client motivated once they have found the right provider • Urge them to get started early – it takes time to reflect and choose what to present • Remind them the rewards of going through this challenging process are significant • Read, re-read, and re-read again the advising documents the PLAR advisor & assessor sends. It makes more sense when you really understand them • Encourage them to develop family, friends and previous successful PLAR candidates as a cheerleader/support group
The CAPLA Manual CAPLA Quality-Assurance-for-RPL-Introduction http://capla.ca/rpl-qa-manual/
Useful Resources: BC’s Prior Learning Action Network (BCPLAN) Canadian Association of Prior Learning (CAPLA) Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC) TRU Industry Training Authority (ITA) Challenging Exams
Thank you for joining us today. Questions? Please go to BCPLAN.ca or info@bcplan.ca to learn more.
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