Webinar Date: January 26, 2023 – 10:30-12:00 (Central)
Acquiring knowledge and skills is often assumed to be the exclusive purview of post-secondary institutions offering formal education. This perspective misses out on the fact that non-formal learning is also delivered by associations, agencies, professional organizations, or workplace training centres. This schooling may lead to entrance in a profession, or aid in employment advancement or changing careers, or serve as professional development. While this training and coursework is not offered by an “accredited” academic institution, it may still align with post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree programs.
This webinar will explore how RPL policies and practices can be applied to recognize this non-formal learning for academic credit. The two presentations will examine the opportunities and challenges when efforts are made to integrate this training or coursework within the context of college and university programing. Each presentation will be followed by a Q & A session.
First Presentation
Assessing Non-formal learning at Thompson River University: The Credit Bank and much more …
Speaker: Susan Forseille, Director of PLAR at Thompson Rivers University
Susan Forseille is a passionate PLAR advocate, believing adult learners acquire great amounts of knowledge and skills through life and work experience. She was elected to the CAPLA Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in 2019. Susan has been the TRU Director of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) since 2018. In this role she is entrusted to provide visionary leadership and advocacy for PLAR. This work includes the day-to-day operation of PLAR at TRU, ensuring rigorous and transparent PLAR operations, advancement, and research. Susan is in the final stages of completing her PhD. Her research topic is the impact of prior learning assessment on career development. Susan is the Chair of BC Prior Learning Action Network (BCPLAN) and is excited to be leading a provincial research initiative on assessing micro-credentials using a PLAR framework. (Source: https://capla.ca/susan-forseille/)
Second Presentation
Brandon University and the Brandon Flight Centre: A Case Study in Recognizing Non-Formal Learning
Speaker: Gary McNeely, PLAR Coordinator at Brandon University
Gary McNeely serves the PLAR Coordinator at Brandon University and was involved in the initial development and implementation of BU’s PLAR Policy and Procedures in 2000. He was a past member on the CAPLA Board and was re-elected to a 3-year term in 2022. He has also been a Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) Board Member since 2000. As PLAR Coordinator, his primary responsibility is to facilitate the assessment of prior learning attained by BU students, while working closely with faculty members serving as assessors. Since 2010, he has facilitated the assessment of non-formal learning for academic credit. He also acts as the BU/CAF Liaison with CF Base Shilo. His research interests include exploring the intersection of PLAR and rural community and economic development, rural immigration, and rural policy and examining how PLAR principles and practices acknowledging Indigenous practices and teachings can be a driver for community development.
Registration is now open. Please visit link below to register for this event.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/assessing-non-formal-learning-for-academic-credit-applying-rpl-principles-tickets-516752138557