Prospective Students
Prior Learning Assessment
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Introduction
What is Prior learning?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is an internationally recognized system which allows for the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of prior learning experiences. It allows tertiary institutions to determine whether an applicant, who does not meet the standard matriculation requirements, possesses the competencies required to enter a university course of study.
It also provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to accelerate through their courses of study without having to pursue selected modules for which they have already mastered the competencies. It is available to persons whose documented and verified work and life experiences provide evidence of knowledge equivalent to that required of modules within a given academic course of study.
The assumptions underpinning PLA are that:
- Significant learning occurs outside the classroom,
- Adults acquire important knowledge, skills and abilities through various kinds of formal and informal study.
In order to assess and give recognition to prior learning, UTech, Jamaica has employed the following assessment tools:
- Portfolio assessment, which relies on the written, verifiable documentation that support university level learning gained through life and work experiences
- Challenge examinations
- Interviews
Why Adopt An Alternative System Of Assessment?
The University of Technology, Jamaica in its adaptation of the PLA system, as an alternative for admissions and module exemption, is providing access to higher education for a larger segment of the population in the region who in the past, have been unable to access higher education. This thrust is in keeping with the concept of being the “people’s University” and simultaneously fulfills the commitment embodied in the Strategic Plan to provide flexible access to university education.
The University receives hundreds of applications annually from applicants who wish to pursue courses of study for which they do not meet the stipulated matriculation requirements, but have worked in the relevant field of study for several years or have pursued post-secondary certification at recognized/accredited institutions. The University strongly believes that there is value in the knowledge these individuals have gained and has therefore developed a rigorous system of assessing the prior learning of these applicants.
The PLA system poses no threat to the integrity of the courses of study, modules or institutions who have bought into the concept of alternative means of award of credit. Applicants for module exemption via PLA do not automatically receive those credits; assessment follows the same standard as that of students who pursue their courses of study through the normal channels. There is no ‘quick fix’ available and there are procedures and processes that must be adhered to before credits can be granted.
Who Benefits?
- Prospects may gain access to most undergraduate and taught graduates courses of study
- Undergraduate students stand to gain from:
- Acceleration through their courses of study
- Reduced overall cost for tertiary education
- Employers may benefit from:
- Reduced training costs
- An increase in the number of trained employees
- Reduced employee time away from work
- Increased productivity and improved output
- The nation benefits economically and socially from an increase in its skilled workforce.
Services
The PLA Unit seeks to serve its clients in a number of ways.
Matriculation into undergraduate courses of study
The Unit:
- Assesses post-secondary certification (eg. HEART, City and Guilds, transcripts from overseas institutions, etc)
- Assesses relevant work experience
- Interviews prospects
- Assists in creating alternate academic pathways for applicants
Matriculation into Graduate courses of study
The Unit delivers/coordinates the:
- Graduate Portfolio Development Process (a one-month course)
- Portfolio Assessment
Module exemption in undergraduate courses of study
The Unit delivers/coordinates the:
- Portfolio Development Workshop
- Portfolio Advisement
- Portfolio Assessment
- Challenge Examinations
FAQs
What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is an internationally recognized system which allows for the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of prior learning experiences. It allows tertiary institutions to determine whether an applicant, who does not meet the standard matriculation requirements, possesses the competencies required to enter a university course of study.
Why does UTech, Jamaica assess the experiential learning and/or post-secondary certification of applicants to the University?
UTech, Jamaica values the prior experience that applicants bring to the teaching/learning environment. Furthermore, we recognize that not all applicants meet the standard requirements for matriculation. Therefore, we assess their experiential learning and/or post-secondary certification in order to establish equivalence with the matriculation requirements of the University.
What is an academic portfolio?
What provisions are in place to assist applicants for taught graduate courses of study?
Applicants for taught graduate courses of study, who do not meet the standard requirements for matriculation, may enrol for portfolio development if they possess at least one of the following from a recognized/accredited tertiary institution:
- A Diploma
- An Associate Degree · Professional Certification[1] (at least 1 year)
- A Bachelors’ Degree with less than the required GPA
PLUS
- At least five (5) years of relevant work experience
If the requirements above are met, they will be invited to enrol for the one-month Graduate Portfolio Development Process to develop a portfolio detailing at least five (5) years of current work experience relevant to the proposed course of study. They are expected to attend the Portfolio Development Seminar, follow the guidelines in the Portfolio Development Manual and submit their portfolios within four (4) weeks. They will also have access to the respective Programme Directors as well as the PLA Unit for additional support as they develop their portfolios.
Is there a cost for the Graduate Portfolio Development Process?
Yes, there is a cost which is determined by the University. The cost covers the one-month course which involves:
- Portfolio Development Seminar (3-hours)
- Portfolio Development Manual
- Access to the Programme Director and the PLA Unit for support
- Feedback on portfolio drafts
- Assessment of the finished portfolio
How does an undergraduate student obtain module exemption via PLA?
Does the University assist the students in the preparation of their portfolios for module exemption?
How long will the student have to develop his/her portfolio?
Is portfolio development the only method used to assess prior learning for module exemption?
No, portfolio development is not the only method used. The University also uses challenge examinations to assess prior learning.
What is a challenge examination?
The challenge exam is used at UTech, Jamaica to assess students’ competence in a specific module. Challenge exams are available to students who are able to demonstrate proficiency in module learning outcomes obtained through education or experience. A challenge examination is a three-hour paper which is administered during the normal examination period at the end of the semester.
Can I be awarded a degree based purely on my experiential learning?
Testimonials
Contact Us
Mrs. Sandy Lawrence
Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator
Tel: 927-1680-8 ext: 3394
Email: sandy.lawrence@utech.edu.jm or sandylawrence.pla@gmail.com
To schedule an advisement session at which your questions and concerns may be addressed, please click on the link below and complete the google form. A session will be arranged shortly thereafter.
