CTC 105 - Prior Learning Assessment

3 Credits

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the process of evaluating knowledge and skills for learning that was acquired from non-classroom experiences like work, professional training and certifications, military careers, volunteering, and online opportunities (like iTunes University or free online courses.) While PLA has been available at colleges for decades, it has not been widely used, largely due to a lack of awareness that the option exists. Today, however, more and more adults are demanding a forum for having their experiential learning evaluated for college-level equivalency. Throughout the course, we will discuss PLA and how students can use it to earn college credit.

This course will help students identify and match areas of previously acquired learning to a college-level course. Once a course is matched to specific learning, students will prepare a written portfolio they may want to have evaluated for college-level equivalency upon completion of the course. The course will guide students through the preparation and compilation of all the required components of the portfolio process.

Course readings and assignments play a vital role in increasing students' ability to describe learning from experience, reflect on this learning, synthesize their ideas (and the ideas of others), and build a deeper understanding of their lifelong learning. Students will learn critical reflection skills to rethink the value of their learning history and its implications for future learning. Adult learning theories, models, and concepts will be discussed and applied to case studies. By the end of the course, students will have completed the components for a portfolio that may be used for the assessment of college-level learning.

At the end of the six-week course is an optional, non-graded two-week period during which students can continue to work with their instructor on fine-tuning their portfolios prior to submitting them for assessment. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive a grade of CR, which will be reflected on official and unofficial transcripts. Students receive 3.00 credits for successful completion of the course; successful completion of the course does not impact student's CGPA.