College Credit for Adult Experiential Learning
Have you learned subjects typically taught on college campuses?
Often students have learned through life experience that which is taught on college campuses. Perhaps they have completed advanced training at their place of work, yet the organization has never requested to have their professional training evaluated for college credit. If you have a level of knowledge in a subject that is taught on college campuses and can present evidence of that knowledge in a portfolio that can be submitted to a college for review, you may be able to receive credit without having to take a class in the subject. This may be an advanced level of knowledge in computer systems, programming, website development, etc., fluency in a language other than English, or a wide array of other subjects in which credit may be awarded through assessment of your knowledge.
Prior Learning Assessment, Portfolio Assessment, Lifelong Learning Assessment - One in the Same
Another term that some colleges use to describe PLA is Portfolio Assessment. The term is relevant, as students must compile a portfolio which presents evidence of the learning experiences claimed by the student and a list of college courses that would convey to students on campus the same knowledge that the student learned through life experience. This portfolio will be submitted to a panel of academic experts at the college who will review the evidence and determine if and how much credit will be awarded to the student. Our course, Strategic Education Planning: Accelerated Paths to Degree Completion, teaches students how to take advantage of the opportunity to earn credit by PLA.