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Prior Learning Assessment is an
internationally recognised system of assessment specifically designed to
give academic credit to adult learners for past learning gained through
work and experience. The University deems an adult learner to be anyone 25
years and older.
In its desire to broaden educational
opportunities for adult learners who wish to pursue higher education but
do not meet the University’s specified matriculation requirements, UTech
is planning to incorporate the concepts of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
for admission and advanced placement.
As its initial step, the University
conducted two sensitization workshops for senior policymakers and academic
staff in October, 2002. In Academic Year 2003-04, it has recruited a Prior
Learning Assessment Co-ordinator, established a PLA unit within the
Academic Affairs Division and formed a PLA Sub-Committee to draft
policies, develop systems and manage the implementation of PLA in the
University.
In preparation for the implementation of
PLA, the Office of the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs through
the Office of Curriculum Development and Evaluation conducted two PLA
workshops for staff during the period January 26-31, 2004. These workshops
were designed to train Portfolio Advisors and Portfolio Assessors, who
will be actively involved in the introduction of Prior Learning
Assessment. Eleven members of academic staff were trained as Portfolio
Advisors and twenty members of the senior academic staff were trained as
Portfolio Assessors.
The University is first introducing PLA
through advanced placement of selected candidates in a pilot project in
the academic year 2004-2005. Candidates will be allowed to challenge
courses using portfolios to demonstrate learning gained through work and
experience. The successful candidates will be awarded credits assigned to
the courses that they have challenge
The PLA Sub-Committee continues, through
its monthly meetings, to design the process to be followed in the
implementation and administration of the piloting phase of Prior Learning
Assessment. The pilot is scheduled to commence in September of 2004 with
one student from each Faculty participating. Some Faculties have already
identified prospective candidates to participate in the pilot.
The members of the Sub-Committee are:
| Mr. George
Roper |
Senior Vice President,
Academic Affairs |
| Dr. Nancy
George |
Associate Vice
President, Academic Management |
| Dr. Winsome
Russell |
Curriculum Specialist,
Academic Management |
| Dr. Phillip
Onouha |
Nominee, Faculty of
Health and Applied Science |
| Mrs. Carmen
Pencle |
Nominee, Faculty of
Education and Liberal Studies |
| Miss Monica
Higgins |
Nominee, Faculty of
Business and Management |
| Mrs. Audrey
Thomas |
Nominee, Faculty of the
Built Environment |
| Mr. Brian
Silvera |
Nominee, Faculty of
computing and Engineering |
| Miss Janet
James |
Nominee, University
Library |
| Mrs. Knetia
Wiggan |
Nominee, Admissions
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| Mrs. Ruth
Owen-Wright |
PLA Coordinator |
| Miss
Cheryll Messam |
Programme Manager,
Office of Continuing Education and Distance Learning |
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