Next Session Starts January 9, 2012!
Learn to develop a professional portfolio assessment system for your institution, or strengthen your institution’s existing prior learning assessment (PLA) programs, by completing the online PLA certificate program. Offered by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) this program provides the basic tools to develop skills and procedures for assessing adults’ prior learning. The program is delivered over the Internet, allowing you to participate at any time, from any place, all you need is e-mail capability and a web browser.
CAEL is a pioneer in the field of prior learning assessment. In 1974, CAEL took the lead in articulating the philosophical basis for PLA as well as developing a set of policies and procedures for performing it in an academically sound manner. CAEL is a leader in training adult learning practitioners and preparing institutions to provide quality prior learning assessment programs. Today, in response to the unique needs of adult learners, colleges nationwide conduct prior learning assessment and use the CAEL models as their guide to quality assurance.
How Does it Work?
The PLA certificate program consists of four web-based workshops each with 4-7 modules. During each 4-week workshop, participants work through a series of structured activities employing online and off-line materials. Each group of participants is assigned an online consultant to facilitate learning and provide feedback. Participants may discuss issued and activities within their learning group.
Completion of the first two workshops leads to a Certificate of Professional Achievement as a Prior Learning Assessor. Participants who successfully complete all four facilitated workshops will be granted a Certificate of Mastery in Prior Learning Assessment.
The Online Program will help you to:
- Understand principles of experiential learning, including the value of experiential learning for adults.
- Understand and apply the steps and procedures in the PLA process.
- Understand the links between experience and learning, and be able to determine college-level learning gained from experience.
- Discriminate between college-level and pre-college-level learning.
- Understand the history and development of prior learning assessment.
- Know and be able to apply principles of best practice in prior learning assessment.
- Apply administrative principles of prior learning assessment within the context of your institution.
- Be able to articulate to various audiences the value of prior learning assessment.
This program provides an opportunity to certify your knowledge and application of the CAEL Standards and Principles for assessment as an individual practitioner. It does not certify the practices and policies of programs, organizations, or institutions.
Next Workshop Series Begins in January 9, 2012
To register click here, or visit http://www.learning.depaul.edu/info/pla