Partnering with Adult Partnering with Adult LearnersLearners

Breaking Barriers by Recognizing Experiential & Non-Formal Learning

Academic BarriersAcademic Barriers

It’s time to break through!

Activity Sheet

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Personal Attributes

What do we mean by What do we mean by ‘Learning’?‘Learning’?

Formal Learning

Non-Formal Learning

Informal Learning

And links it with formal learning.

PLARPLAR recognizes the value of non-formal and informal learning in the development of our workforce:

• Work experience• Non-credit courses• Industry training• Self-study• Volunteer activities

PLAR is a valid process ofPLAR is a valid process of

• identifying learning• documenting/proving learning• assessing learning• recognizing that learning formally

It is based on clear learning outcomes and occupational standards. It measures prior learning and current competence.

Proven Skill or KnowledgeProven Skill or KnowledgeCandidate provides evidence that learning is:

•relevent to a specific course/discipline•current•at the depth/level of post-secondary training

Credit earned only:•when the standard expectations for the learning outcomes in the course are met.

PLAR Responds To:PLAR Responds To:

• Access to education• Labour mobility/portable credentials• Qualification recognition (occupational and

international)• Occupations in transition• Workforce adjustments• Emerging occupations• Training partnerships• Efficient use of training dollars

BarriersBarriers&&

BenefitsBenefits

Adult LearnersAdult Learners• Increasingly more mature students (25 years+)• May work part-time or full-time while studying• Come with a variety of work and volunteer experiences• May have worked already in the field of study• Have have family/life commitments• Have have expectations about what they need to learn

and what they already know

PLAR BenefitsPLAR BenefitsValued for their skill and knowledgeRedundant Training ReducedSave or Reallocate TimeBetter use of Training Dollar

““Drop Outs” Drop Outs” aka Successful Early Leaversaka Successful Early Leavers• Students develop enough skill and knowledge to become

marketable• Quit programs when offered employment• Minimal # courses remaining• Attending classes is difficult• Develop remaining skills on the job over time

PLAR BenefitsPLAR BenefitsRecognizes alternate learning methodsReduces time to graduatestudent completes program (more graduates for you!) improves mobility for low seniority worker

Licensing/Regulatory Licensing/Regulatory ChangesChanges

Example: Early Childhood Education• Employment standard changed; workers must have ECE

Certificate• Competent workers already learned through on-the-job training,

mentoring and experience• Workers cannot afford to leave jobs for retraining• GAP training available by distance

PLAR BenefitsPLAR Benefits workforce credentials upgraded efficiently no loss-time & no loss wages retain qualified, experienced workers eliminate redundant training

Certification and Certification and Re-CertificationRe-Certification

Example: Continuing Nursing Education and Advanced Clinical Practices

• skill/knowledge standards required by employment in specializations

• Currency obtained in the field• Skills and knowledge are transferable and can be assessed

PLAR BenefitsPLAR Benefitsshorten employment response time to certify qualified

workers reduce redundant training

Mentorship LearningMentorship Learning

Examples: Fine Arts, Media and Graphic Arts• Established in an arts community• Study with a master of artistic choice• Highly specialized• Need flexible access to education• Importance of credentials increasing

PLAR BenefitsPLAR BenefitsRespect learning styles and special needsAccommodates specialized skill developmentBlends creative environment with educational structures

Customized CoursesCustomized CoursesExample: Computer Applications• coned requests for short, specific workshops• no evaluation/non-credit • Further develop & apply skills over time

PLAR BenefitsPLAR BenefitsResponds to diverse training deliveriesSupports “just-in-time” requirementsProvides for individual certification needs

Emerging TechnologiesEmerging Technologies• new educational programs• Existing experienced workers in field• Previous training is industry specific

PLAR BenefitsPLAR Benefitscredential the experts who pioneer new occupations or

technical skill setsportable credentials across industriesCost-effective for students and employer

Distance LearnersDistance Learners

Example: Off Campus/ Correspondence/ Virtual Delivery

• selective in study choices and variety of sources• often working in a related field• limited access to formal/traditional education

PLAR BenefitsPLAR Benefitsvalues alternative learning methodsefficiency for studentCompletes a recognized credential

Interested in learning more Interested in learning more about how to implement about how to implement

PLAR?PLAR?• Consider RPL Practitioner Advanced

Certificate Training for Professionals (Educators, Counselors, and Human Resource Specialists)

Visit our website: http://www.siast.sk.ca/siast/educationtraining/advancedcertificate/5883/8665/5854/index.shtml

For More InformationFor More Information

Kim Orynik – PLAR CoordinatorKim Orynik – PLAR CoordinatorEmail: orynik@siast.sk.ca

Cristal Gobeil – PLAR FacilitatorCristal Gobeil – PLAR FacilitatorEmail: gobeil@siast.sk.ca

Saskatchewan Institute Applied Science & Saskatchewan Institute Applied Science & Technology (SIAST)Technology (SIAST)PLAR web page: http://www.siast.sk.ca/siast/admissions/plar.htm

Questions - Comments – Discussion

Thank you!