Best Practices in PLAR

Abstract:

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) provides a critical link to effective use of existing human resources. The recognition of prior learning from work and life experience and the acquisition of new learning for learners are key components of an educational institution's mandate. This workshop will highlight the PLAR practices at Red River College and the impact of the Manitoba government's New Policy Framework for PLAR. Details of extensive PLAR activity, based on a PLAR Strategic Plan at Red River College will be presented. Included will be statistics outlining learner access and success, expanded PLAR advising services, training initiatives for PLAR practitioners, current PLAR development in college programs, PLAR research and future PLAR developments and expectations.

Presenter:

Deborah Blower
Lauren Waples

Deborah Blower is the Prior Learning Assessment Facilitator at Red River College (RRC) of Applied Arts, Science and Technology in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has been extensively involved in the design and implementation of PLA practices at RRC since 1983. As the PLA Facilitator, she coordinates the implementation of the RRC PLA Strategic Plan and a new PLAR Practitioner Training Initiative for Manitoba practitioners.

Deborah is currently Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA). In this role she has actively participated in the Board's strategic planning sessions, and as a member of the Advisory Committee for CAPLA research project-Benchmarks for the Canadian PLAR Practitioner (May, 2000). She is also the past Chair of the Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) and served on the Board of the Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Centre.

On a national level, she has been extensively involved in the development of the PLAR processes for a joint project of the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment (CSTEC), United Steel Workers of America (USWA) and 19 colleges from across Canada. She was also the RRC lead for the research study: Cross Canada Study of PLAR: A Slice of the Iceberg (1999) and is presently involved with a companion study to be completed in 2003.

She has presented at numerous conferences, facilitated workshops and training seminars on PLAR at the international, national, provincial and local levels, authored a chapter "Canada: the Story of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition" in the recently published book, Experiential Learning Around the World (1999) and instructed courses in PLAR and portfolio development. In October 2001, Deb received the 2001 Canadian Recognizing Learning Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of PLAR. As a PLAR practitioner, curriculum developer and college instructor for over 20 years, she strongly believes in the PLAR process.

Lauren Waples is currently the PLAR Advisor for Red River College. She is responsible for providing PLAR information and advice to students accessing college programs and for supporting and guiding students attempting to prove prior learning. Lauren has a Bachelor of Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba and has 13 years experience working with mature adult learners in competency-based learning environments. She has completed PLAR Foundation Training and PLAR Practitioner Leadership Training. Lauren's previous PLAR experience includes advising and assessing in the Early Childhood Educator: Competency Based Assessment/Prior Learning Assessment Project. She was part of a three person team who developed and implemented a flexible and credible assessment system for adult learners possessing prior education and experience in early childhood education.

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