ROLES
Role of the Learner
The learner prepares the application for Prior Learning Assessment by gaining an understanding of the process, writing and gathering supporting documentation, and consulting with the Vancouver Island University faculty advisor and faculty assessor. The role of the learner is as follows:
- Initiate and direct the PLA process.
- Identify his/her learning and show that it matches the learning outcomes for the course/program.
- Generate evidence to support his/her learning claims.
Ideally, the learner provides evidence that has general application to a broad range of learning outcomes.
Role of Faculty Assessor
The faculty assessor (or assessor) undertakes training in PLA techniques, and is acquainted with the standard requirements and experienced in determining whether or not the evidence presented by the learner meets the requirements of the learning outcomes associated with the relevant course(s) or certificate. The assessor adopts a holistic approach in reviewing the evidence; creating lists and sub-lists of specific criteria for each learning outcome is discouraged, as it leads to a prescriptive and limited approach. The role of the faculty assessor in PLA is as follows:
- Determine appropriate assessment methods for learners
- Assess learners' evidence
- Ensure learners meet academic requirements
- Ensure the evidence meets validity, reliability, sufficiency, currency and authenticity requirements
- Communicate with learners and give feedback on the acceptability of their evidence
- Where further assessment options may be needed, meet with learners to administer oral questioning and/or other assessment methods, and make recommendations to learners
- Provide support to, and liaise with, faculty advisors
- Make recommendations about award or denial of credit
Role of Faculty Advisor
The faculty advisor (or advisor) supports learners in making informed decisions regarding their academic goals. The role of the faculty advisor in PLA is as follows:
- Provide general information
- Distribute brochure and promotional material
- Work with learners to prepare for the assessment process
- Assist learners to identify knowledge and skills, and link to learning outcomes
- Assist learners to make decisions regarding their involvement in PLA and their credit request, rather than judging whether the candidate has the requisite knowledge and skills
- Assist learners to access institutional services
- Liaise with faculty assessor and program faculty
- Trouble shoot any system concerns
- Evaluate PLA process with learners
Role of Vancouver Island University
Learning does not happen on one particular day or in one particular way. The learner may have become knowledgeable and competent in areas without even realizing that what he/she has learned can be evaluated and credited towards an academic goal. It is the responsibility of Vancouver Island University to:
- Review the learner's request
- Determine if his/her learning is comparable to the course or certificate in question
- Determine that the learner has the necessary balance of theory and practice, and the required depth and breadth.
