Prior learning
- 1. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Supporting Transitions: Putting the Principles of PLAR to Work Susan Simosko November 5, 2010 9:00 – 10:30
- 2. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Overview PLAR process and principles Applications Benefits Implications for you
- 3. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. About you Think about all the things you do Identify something you are good at: What did you do? What did you have to know to perform it? When did you do it? What did it entail? Exchange stories with a neighbor
- 4. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. About your skills and knowledge How would you prove to us that you really know and can do what you say? Share that information with your neighbor too
- 5. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. One way to look at it…
- 6. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Basic process – Identify – Equate – Assess – Recognize/credit
- 7. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Identify How do you do this? What is the “right” level? What is the expected outcome for – Learner/applicant – “Advisor”
- 8. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Equate What is the purpose? What are the “standards”? How do you use job descriptions, occupational competencies, learning outcomes, or course descriptions? What is the expected outcome?
- 9. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Assessment Linked to the purpose – Self assessment – Oral interview – Written exam – Demonstration Workplace Simulation – Portfolio of evidence
- 10. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. PLAR Definition A process that enables individuals to receive credit and recognition for what they know and can do (Old: A process that enables individuals to receive credit and recognition for their “prior” learning.)
- 11. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Formal assessment systems must be technically sound Valid Reliable Fair and culturally appropriate Verify currency Verify authenticity Feasible
- 12. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Key PLAR Principles All learning has value Where, when or how learning occurred is not particularly important Verification of skills and knowledge requires some sort of assessment or evaluation—informal or formal—depending on the potential application of the learning Assessment/recognition is the interpretation of evidence that enables us to make a decision (Remember, there are many assessment options for identifying and generating evidence!)
- 13. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Applications: Is this someone you know?
- 14. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Applications: Success Stories Traditional vocational and technical Academic Employment-related Professional recognition/continuing competence Unique applications – Young offenders – Labour unions – Credit for unwaged work*
- 15. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Credit for unwaged work (homemakers) Functional analysis A. Develop and manage systems B. Optimize the acquisition and use of material and financial resources C. Obtain, record and provide information to others D. Support and care for adults E. Care for and supervise children F. Maintain the health and safety of household members G. Provide services to household members H. Maintain the interior and exterior of the home I. Contribute to the national and local community
- 16. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Function F: Maintain the health and safety of household members Activities: – Manage the health and sickness of adults and children – Supervise treatment processes for adults and children – Maintain health and safety in the home
- 17. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Related occupations Nursing Paramedics Dietician Environmental health officer Security officer First aid instructor Professional cleaner
- 18. Susan Simosko Associates, Inc. Contribute to the national and local community: Related occupations Fundraiser Youth workers Organizer for charities/conferences Adult or child advocates Police officer
- 19. What are the benefits of systematically applying the PLAR process? Enhanced self confidence Greater clarity about strengths and limitations New directions New credentials New opportunities Can save time, money and duplication of effort
- 21. Implications for you… What will you do differently? – How will you apply the concept? – What outcomes will/could be different? – What materials, if any, will you develop? – What partnerships, if any, will you form and/or develop? – How can you support one another? – What additional skills and knowledge would enhance your work?
- 22. Potential resources National: Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA): www.recognitionforlearning.ca Provincial: www.bcplan.ca Local: – Dawn McCooey: www.employeeretentiontool.ca – Camosun College: www.camosuncollege.bc.ca – Royal Roads University: www.royalroadsuniversity.bc.ca – Others!
- 23. PLAR is a only a concept…How you apply it is up to you!
- 24. Thank you! Susan Simosko ssimosko@telus.net www.susansimosko.com 250-655-6773 204A-2453 Beacon Ave. Sidney, BC V8L 1X7