Belleville, Ontario, May 30, 2013 – Loyalist College is pleased to host the 24th Annual Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Conference, dedicated to sharing best PLA practices, this week at the Travelodge Inn, Belleville.
As the major sponsor, Loyalist has brought together individuals who are actively engaged in Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) to collaborate on adult-oriented approaches to training and education. Other supporters of the conference include the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the East Central Ontario Training Board. This year’s theme is The Power of the Portfolio as a Tool for Transformation, focused on assisting adult learners to conduct a systematic and rigorous educational and personal self-assessment.
“For more than two decades, Loyalist has been a leader in the process of validating prior learning that occurred outside of the formal classroom environment,” said Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy. “First Nations and indigenous cultures and traditions have always played an important role in the design and delivery of this Conference, with emphasis on holistic approaches to knowledge creation, implementation and evaluation. Loyalist deeply appreciates the long-standing commitment and leadership which First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), has shown over the years with respect to PLAR and this annual Conference."
PLAR involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning acquired through previous formal and informal studies including work and life experiences, training, independent studies, volunteering, travel, hobbies, and family experiences. Learning achievements can be used towards the requirements of an academic or training program, occupational or professional certification, or entry to employment.
Conference participants choose from workshops in key areas of PLAR practice, including:
- Introduction to PLAR and portfolio development
- PLAR practitioner (advisor and assessor) training
- Indigenous approaches to PLAR and portfolio development
- Roots to success: Portfolio development for youth–facilitator training
- Using the Adult Learner Friendly Institution (ALFI) self-evaluation to assess institutions and programs
- Continuing the development of the international indigenous recognition of prior learning collective
On May 29th, Loyalist Social Service Worker Professor Mark Gallupe launched the second edition of Assessment of Prior Learning: A Practitioners Guide, a book he has co-authored. Together with Malcolm Day, Nursing and APL Coordinator, University of Nottingham, UK; Debbie Hatfield, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Brighton, UK; and Carolyn Mann, PLA Consultant, USA, Professor Gallupe led a plenary session on the book. He is also co-hosting a plenary session on ‘Sharing our Learning and Sustaining Our Practice – A Reflective Dialogue’ with Loyalist Professor Paul Zakos on May 31st. The conference agenda is available online.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. A testament to the College’s strength is the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) released on April 17, indicating that 87% of Loyalist College graduates found employment within six months of graduation, compared to the average provincial rate of 83.6% for Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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To confirm media attendance at the event, please contact:
Kerry Lorimer, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications, Loyalist College,
klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536