Prior learning assessment at Northwest Community College: current status and future directions

This study assessed the nature and potential of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at Northwest Community College (NWCC). The researcher, Karen Chrysler, worked with the college PLA committee and the University of Northern British Columbia to complete the study. The focus of the study was to determine the current level of support within the college community for PLA and to develop some recommendations. The participants were NWCC faculty, administrators and student advisors. Program Cluster Committee members and Student Success team members were asked to complete and return questionnaires. The Cluster Committee members returned a total of 58 surveys, making for an overall response rate of 65%. A total of 17 surveys were sent out and 10 were returned by the Student Success team members, making for a response rate of 59%. All twelve key informants, who were asked, agreed to participate and were interviewed. The concept of PLA itself was well supported by the program cluster members. The majority of faculty members would agree to an individual student request for PLA. Key informants definitely recognized the benefits for students, faculty and the college. The identified problems around PLA stem from the implementation and fall within three areas. First, there is a need to have operational language regarding PLA activity within the college's collective agreements. Second, there is a need to continue to provide training and professional development opportunities regarding the concept of PLA in general, and at NWCC specifically. Finally, it is important to continue the development of PLA policies and procedures in consultation with the appropriate stakeholders in the college community. Addressing these three areas will assist in addressing the expressed concerns of those individuals who are currently not supportive of PLA.