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PLA 2000 Prior Learning Documentation Course Fall 2008 Online Gerald A. "Jerry" Merwin Jr., Ph.D.

Activities Objectives Policies Requirements

Office Location: 106 West Hall

Voice & Messaging: VSU Office Telephone: 229.333.5776   FAX: 229.333.5910   Cellular: 229.221.2891

Web: http://www.valdosta.edu/~gamerwin/

Office Schedule:   Individual meetings can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both the student and professor. Please contact me to set up a time. Email -> Jerry Merwin

Required Reading - PLA Handbook: http://www.valdosta.edu/pla/

Recommended Textbook: American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. (Consult the professor before purchasing this or any other book.)

Course Description:

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Graded “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.”  Techniques for the development of documentation for prior learning experiences based on standards and criteria established by academic and subject matter professionals. Students prepare and submit documentation which provides a clear description of competencies obtained.

Justification:

PLA is a process through which students identify areas of learning from their past experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials related to specific course objectives so that they can be assessed and possibly awarded academic credit.  The Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) defines PLA as follows: “The recognition of learning gained from experiences that may be granted credit or otherwise certified… The assessment of learning attained through experiences irrespective of the time and place in which they occurred.” (Assessing Learning, 2nd edition, By Morry Fiddler, Catherine Marienau, and Urban Whitaker, 2007, p.12) PLA will reduce the repetition of relevant, course-related material for students with prior learning (or with prior degrees). The portfolio course will also help prepare students who have not been in college before or who have not been in college recently to reacquaint themselves with college learning and expectations. PLA should help reduce the time required to earn a degree. Prior Learning Portfolio Development is a process used by students to document their prior learning. This process requires students to prepare and submit a collection of documents that establish and support a claim that applicants have the particular skills, knowledge, values, attitudes, understandings, achievements, experiences, competencies, training, and certifications that will align with specific course objectives. The portfolio developed in the documentation course should not only describe the relevant experience but should also identify the particular learning outcomes.  Students will also offer a critical self-assessment of what college-level learning has been acquired through selected non-traditional experience. This experience might include a variety of work, training, reading and research, civil and military service, or life learning. Once the prior learning portfolio is completed and submitted, it must be evaluated and evidence must be provided to tie those skills to objectives of a specific course before credit can be granted.  Faculty assessors will determine if the prior learning is acceptable for credit. PLA provides a method to help encourage non-traditional students to pursue a degree; it will help them make the transition to higher education and will shorten their time to graduation.  This course has been designed in accordance with the principles established by CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning).

Direct any questions or comments to Jerry Merwin.