Realize. Credit for prior learning.

Gail Lambert (pictured at right), is a returning Faculty of Arts student majoring in Sociology. Gail received 12 credit hours (equivalent of 4 courses) through PLAR. Here is what she has to say about the program:

"It has always been a dream of mine to return to university, but working and raising a family became priorities and it became a "someday" goal. PLAR sparked my interest in having another look at that goal. I was surprised at how excited I was at the possibility of gaining credits based on the PLAR program.

It is not an easy task pulling all of the information required to prove your abilities in the criteria and critical competencies set out in the program. It is a thoughtful process that requires hours of work. But, please know that the work involved must be viewed as a positive thing. I want to make sure that those considering the PLAR program are not naive about the work involved, but I also want to reassure them it is is work that is rewarding as you discover that what you have learned along the way is valued as you pursue your studies at the University of Regina" (Nov. 2, 2010).

What is PLAR?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a term used by universities to describe the process of earning university credit from learning acquired through a student's work, training, volunteer experiences and personal life. The assessment methods used work in concert with coursework to help complete a student's educational goals. The process measures the quality and level of a student's experiential learning - learning that is based on experience (Kolb, 1984).

PLA is an active process that helps students determine what they know and what they need to learn through coursework. In the process, students gain confidence in their ability to work at a university level. The credits earned also puts them closer to graduation. Additionally, the active process of unpacking the learning reveals insights into areas such as writing, communication, mature thinking and problem-solving skills.

PLAR at the U of R?

PLAR is a free service available to adult learners and those involved in part-time studies. The U of R will award credit for RPL/PLAR, see 2.8.6 Prior Learning Assessment. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is facilitated by the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) and designed for people who have acquired significant knowledge and skills outside formal university classrooms. RPL/PLAR is a "process of identifying, assessing and recognizing what a person knows and can do for the purpose of awarding academic credit" (Canadian Labour Force Development Board, 1999). In some cases skills training and personal and professional development, which has not led to a degree, certificate or diploma, can be recognized through PLA. At the University of Regina the RPL office is located in the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), Credit Studies Division.

RPL is part of an array of services available to adult learners (those 25 and over). PLAR involves the identification, demonstration, documentation, assessment, and recognition of learning that you have acquired experientially or informally and awards credit for learning related to University of Regina degrees, certificates, or diplomas. CCE is the University's representative during the PLAR process. PLAR practice at the U of R is three-fold:

1. Preparing, conducting, and providing feedback on assessments of prior learning
2. Facilitating portfolio development
3. Providing support to students throughout the PLAR process

(Kleef, 2007, p. 10)

The U of R subscribes to the "credit-exchange model" (Stovenlund, 2010; Trowler, 1996), that is, the University recognizes that experiential learning holds post-secondary value in the form of credits which can be measured and awarded through assessment methods; moreover, the U of R emphasizes the development model which emphasizes that subjective elements are involved in the PLAR process (Johnson, 2004; Trowler, 1996). The U of R promotes the professional and intellectual development of adult learners within the PLAR process. The additional value of PLAR is as an educational tool.

What assessment methods are used?

Assessment methods vary (see below) depending upon the Faculty and subject matter. Assessment methods help reduce students' frustrations by placing them in the correct level. After all, if an advanced performer were placed in a beginning course, he or she would likely feel frustrated at the repetition of instruction basics. The assessment process provides useful information for the student because it helps determine what students already know and can do and can identify gaps in their learning.

Who may apply for PLAR?

RPL is open to anyone; however, not all Faculties will award credit for informal prior learning. The goal of RPL is to help adult learners.

Who will accept PLAR and how many credits are available?

Each Faculty determines where PLAR is appropriate and the number of credits available.

1. Who won't accept PLAR: Business Administration & Engineering
2. Who will accept PLAR: Arts, Education, Fine Arts, Kinesiology & Health Studies, Science and Social Work.

• The Faculty of Arts will award credit for prior learning to a maximum of 15 credit hours on a case-by-case basis, see RPL policy and 9.9.3 in the Academic Calendar. Credits may be awarded on a course by course basis or by a block of elective credits, see ARTS RPL Elective Credit for guidelines. In 2010 a learner received 12 credit hours through RPL.
• The Faculty of Business Administration will not award credit other than through transfer credit agreements and/or through challenge by exam. Students with permission may write a final exam for a course and pay full tuition without having to attend the course. *Note:The Executive MBA mid-career option is available. For other options, see SIAST.
• The Faculty of Education will award PLAR credit on a case-by-case basis. In 2006 an applicant received 42 credit hours, see: PLAR Success Story.
• The Faculty of Engineering will not award RPL credit hours.
• The Faculty of Fine Arts will award credit hours for PLAR. In 2010 a Media Production and Studies student received a significant number of credit hours from many years of film production experience in the industry. Theatre, Visual Arts, and Music will also receive PLAR portfolios for assessment and award credit.
• The Faculty of Graduate Studies: For those students applying for PLAR at the graduate level, please contact Graduate Studies.
• The Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies will award credit for prior learning either by course or elective credit, see KHS Learning Portfolio Outline.
• The Faculty of Science will award PLAR credit hours on a case-by-case basis. In 2010 a mature learner was informed she could receive PLAR credit hours in Biology.
• The Faculty of Social Work will award credit for prior learning to a maximum of 15 credit hours. Assessment is on a course by course basis. See the SW Policy Info Sheet.
• First Nations University of Canada, Indian Social Work will award credit for prior learning. For details visit the web site.

How to apply for recognition of prior learning

An RPL mentor located within the Centre for Continuing Education, Credit Studies Division will assist RPL candidates gather evidence and advocate on their behalf. For many students the first thing to do is to get admitted or complete a Readmission Form pdf and fax it to Admissions at 306-337-2525. Once a portfolio is prepared it will be forwarded to the respective Faculty for assessment and the awarding of credit. Assessment may take up to three months.

If interested, please call the RPL mentor at 306-585-5827 or the Credit Studies Division, General Office in CCE at 306-585-5807 or email: learnmore@uregina.ca.

Mailing address: University of Regina, Centre for Continuing Education, Credit Studies Division, RPL, College Avenue Campus, 2201 College Ave, Room 104, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2