SMWC students use PLA methods to document their learning
Posted on: 03/29
More college students than ever are earning credit for what they already know. According to results from a recent 48-institution study of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Adult Student Outcomes, conducted by the Council for Adult Experiential Learning (CAEL), PLA students have better academic outcomes, particularly in terms of graduation rates and persistence, than other adult students. Many PLA students are able to shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. In this study, 43% of PLA students earned a bachelor's degree, compared to only 15% of non-PLA students.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College participated in this study to help document what had long been a belief held my many of its faculty and administrators. SMWC students have used PLA methods to document their learning. “Since the 1970s, SMWC students have gained credit toward their degrees through documentation of learning gained outside the classroom. Many students, especially the adult students, come with so many diverse experiences that have led them to knowledge that they could have learned in a classroom,” said Gwen Hagemeyer, director of the Woods External Degree (WED) Program at SMWC. “PLA is a way for them to feel validated for their knowledge whether it is through a testing option or the portfolio method. Their portfolios often demonstrate a depth of knowledge that verifies not just the learning but the assimilation of the learning into their jobs and day-to-day activities.”
PLA methods include portfolio assessment, evaluation of corporate and military training by the American Council on Education (ACE), and standardized exams such as College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Earning credit through CLEP tests can be a real time and money saver. CLEP can allow you to obtain college credits by passing specific computer-based tests. More than 34 CLEP tests are available through SMWC's Learning Resource Center.
Kelli Croan, K-Elem. Education major from Fillmore, Ind., received college credit recently after taking a CLEP test for Educational Psychology. “I picked the textbook up when I was on campus in January and studied for thirty days. I read the book and took the practice tests. I made flashcards and tested myself every chance I had. I have to admit I was a little nervous when I started the test, but after about five or six questions, I relaxed and was able to focus. What a relief when I got the results! I was happy and now I am considering doing it again. It saved me time and money.”
Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) has also become a very popular alternative path for earning college credit. Applications are evaluated by SMWC faculty credentialed in the subject area. Fees are only charged after the evaluation is completed and credit is awarded. Since 2002, on average, 183 students each year have earned credit through APL.
Ingrid Gaither, Theology major from Kokomo, Ind., is deeply grateful for the opportunity to earn APL credit in a variety of courses. “After completing twenty-four hours in APL credit through the compilation of professional portfolios for my professors, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I had accomplished-I had grown as a thinker. I will never regret the hours I spent putting these materials together. It was as if my entire life was flashing before me. It was also a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all the blessings everyone at The Woods has become for me.”
Jeanie Hebner, K-Elem Education major from Westfield, Ind., said she would highly recommend that every student apply for as many APL's as possible. “APL's are wonderful. First and foremost, they save you money and in today's economy everyone is looking to save. I have personally saved over $2,000 on credits alone. That does not even take into account the cost I have saved from not needing books and supplies.”
Jeanie continued, “The time saved working on assignments for the course should bring a smile to your face. Why complete assignments and study for hours on a class you have life knowledge on? You should be rewarded for the knowledge you have from past work experiences. It feels awesome to know my work and volunteer experience counted for college credits. I have earned an APL for Computer Software, Technology in Education, and Kindergarten Field Experience. Applying for an APL is painless; you create a simple binder (sort of a brag book of your experience) and turn it into the WED office. It's that easy. My only regret is not applying for more APL's when I first started the distance program at SMWC.”
To be granted APL, the learning must be documented, verified and be equivalent to college-level learning. (There are many learning experiences that are excellent and contribute to learning but are not college-level learning experiences.) Students may apply for APL credit for many courses offered at SMWC (including general studies, major and elective credit courses).
“An academic advisor will help determine if their knowledge and experience is appropriate to consider assembling an APL application,” said Hagemeyer. “Personally, I love looking over the APL applications as they come in. It's a way to validate how much our students know on a particular subject. I encourage all distance students to look into possible opportunities to apply for APL credit.”
