P.L.A.R
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (P.L.A.R) is a process that the Northwest International University uses to offer adult learners an opportunity to have their experiential learning assessed for potential credit. PLAR can ease the entry or return of adult learners to formal learning by providing them with opportunities to articulate and verify what they know and can do against the standards required by specific university-level courses and programs. “Challenge credits” are awarded to these students so that they do not need to take courses for which they have demonstrated knowledge and skills. For adult learners who bring prior learning with them to the University, PLAR can reduce the time that it takes to earn a degree.
You may have mastered knowledge and skills equivalent to the standards of particular university-level courses through work experience, independent study, seminars and workshops, community activities and non-degree courses. It is important to understand that credit for prior learning is awarded based on verified knowledge and skills, not just on experience.
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition is not appropriate for all university-level classes. The decision about whether to allow a challenge credit for any course is entirely a department-level decision based on the best interests of their students and departmental resources.
PLAR is only available to students who have been admitted to the Northwest International University.
Extremely History of Prior Learning Assessment
Initial research into the Prior Learning Assessment practice and implementation was conducted by the Educational Testing Service, which launched a subsidiary organization dedicated only to Prior Learning Assessment. Through an ever-increasing demand for its research expertise, this special sub-group quickly became an independent non-profit organization, now known as The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Since 1974, CAEL has worked with postsecondary institutions, state boards of regents, and individuals by establishing and disseminating high quality standards for the awarding of credit through assessment, by training faculty evaluators and administrators in PLA practices, and by conducting research on the outcomes of these efforts and disseminating it widely throughout the postsecondary community.
CAEL has emphasized the assessment and promotion of experiential learning for adults and is responsible for the development of several landmark publications on the topic, including Assessing Learning: Standards, Principles, & Procedures (in which a set of research-based standards for best practices in assessing learning is outlined) and Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success: a 48-Institution Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes (in which prior learning assessment is linked to positive academic outcomes, including improved retention and graduation rates).
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition is not appropriate for all university-level classes. The decision about whether to allow a challenge credit for any course is entirely a department-level decision based on the best interests of their students and departmental resources.
PLAR is only available to students who have been admitted to the Northwest International University.
The P.L.A.R Process
Students must first meet with the P.L.A.R Advisor in Student & Enrolment Services to discuss the process and confirm courses available for recognition. To make an appointment with the PLAR Advisor, contact us.
If courses are available for challenge credit, the student completes an application form, which includes details of the Prior Learning Assessment request. You may apply for Prior Learning Assessment on multiple occasions during your academic career at the Northwest International University.
The PLAR Advisor reviews the application, and, if accepted, forwards it to the relevant college, department, or program head for review. If the application is accepted by this reviewer, the student pays an assessment fee to meet with a faculty advisor, who will discuss with the student method(s) of assessment and timelines. The student and faculty advisor must sign an assessment agreement.
P.L.A.R encourages a combination of assessment strategies to evaluate a student’s breadth and depth of learning. These methods may include the more traditional university assessment method of written examination, as well as demonstrations, interviews and oral examinations. Another assessment tool is the use of learning portfolios, which may include a variety of supporting evidence of prior learning, such as samples of work, course outlines from corporate-sponsored learning events and skills validation certificates. You and your faculty advisor will discuss the method(s) most appropriate for assessing your prior learning.
Following the assessment by the faculty advisor, the PLAR advisor will inform the student of the outcome.
Students must first meet with the PLAR Advisor in Student & Enrolment Services to discuss the process and confirm courses available for recognition. To make an appointment with the PLAR Advisor, contact us.
If courses are available for challenge credit, the student completes an application form, which includes details of the Prior Learning Assessment request. You may apply for Prior Learning Assessment on multiple occasions during your academic career at the Northwest International University.
The P.L.A.R Advisor reviews the application, and, if accepted, forwards it to the relevant college, department, or program head for review. If the application is accepted by this reviewer, the student pays an assessment fee to meet with a faculty advisor, who will discuss with the student method(s) of assessment and timelines. The student and faculty advisor must sign an assessment agreement.
P.L.A.R encourages a combination of assessment strategies to evaluate a student’s breadth and depth of learning. These methods may include the more traditional university assessment method of written examination, as well as demonstrations, interviews and oral examinations. Another assessment tool is the use of learning portfolios, which may include a variety of supporting evidence of prior learning, such as samples of work, course outlines from corporate-sponsored learning events and skills validation certificates. You and your faculty advisor will discuss the method(s) most appropriate for assessing your prior learning.
Following the assessment by the faculty advisor, the PLAR advisor will inform the student of the outcome.
What is a Portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of documents that details your past learning. It focuses on the skills, knowledge and abilities developed through education, experience, volunteer work, self-directed learning and other methods of learning. It must clearly apply this learning to the learning outcomes appropriate to the course(s) in which you are interested.
A portfolio usually includes the following types of information:
- Resume
- Autobiographical letter
- Description of your career plan
- Translation of documented experience into learning outcomes
- Documentation / verification of skills
- Job Descriptions
- Letters of Reference
- You will be also required to demonstrate your learning through either the presentation of a portfolio and/or by one or more of the following challenge methods:
- Demonstration of a particular skill
- Competency testing
- Submission of assignments
- Challenge exams
- A structured interview with a designated subject expert. Remember, credit is not awarded for experience but only for verifiable learning.
Benefits of PLAR
P.L.A.R has several benefits. It improves access to education when formal credentials are not well understood. It helps place learners at appropriate levels within educational programs. It eliminates the need for students to study things they already know. It helps learners develop clear educational goals and plans. Research indicates that PLAR also improves learner confidence, self-esteem, and motivation to learn. If an institution’s course offerings are flexible, PLAR can reduce students’ program workloads and costs.
P.L.A.R increases access to professions by providing important information to licensing and certification bodies about what applicants already know and can do. It can help determine if applicants are eligible to write qualifying exams or undertake placements. PLAR can help to determine if individuals need additional training, and it can reduce costs by pinpointing training needs more accurately.
How to apply
You need to apply for any prior learning to be recognized and accredited. You can do this on the relevant section of the online application form.
If you have already submitted your application but now wish to request recognition of your prior learning, please contact us.
We will not consider any application for recognition of prior learning if you have already entered the exam for the course concerned.
When applying for Prior Learning Assessment, applicants can qualify with either an academic diploma or a combination of education and work experience. You can also combine post-high school education and experience to meet total qualifications.
Don’t overlook courses taken at no accredited institutions, such as work-related training, seminars, workshops and vocational training. These courses are acceptable if they meet the following criteria:
The courses are accepted for advanced credit at an accredited institution.
The institution’s transcript is given full credit by a state university.
The courses have been evaluated and approved by a state department of education.
The coursework has been evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Council of Post-Secondary Accreditation
The prior learning experience in the careers and jobs which are listed in the following website will be acceptable for PLAR process by Northwest International University evaluating scientific boards.
Important Notice: NWIU Never Awards Life / Work Experience University Degrees