Presenters: Judith Brown, Barry University; Joanne Longo, Barry University; Pamela Luckett, Barry University

During the summer of 2009 Barry University and 48 other institutions of higher learning in the USA participated in a CAEL research study on the efficacy of adult undergraduate programs with a PLA component. Graduation rates, persistence, and time to degree were compared between PLA and Non-PLA students. The institutions involved in the study provided data on more than 62,000 adult learners. The study findings support the use of PLA in recycling and reusing learning, and reducing time to degree completion. In addition, this presentation will provide a hands-on demonstration of the elements of PLA e-portfolios to further reinforce sustainable and innovative assessment practices.

Presenters: Clarence DeSchiffart, Nova Scotia Community College; Laurie Edwards, Nova Scotia Community College; Darlene O'Neill, Nova Scotia Community College

Canada's political and economic policy makers are forecasting a work skill shortage in the near future. What impact would re-examining the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle) within a career portofolio framework have in dealing with the shortage? This interactive session will draw upon current research that examines retention and recruitment and the connection to young and older people being more intentional about their life/work future decisions. It will also introduce experiences and best practices around career and portfolio development that the facilitators have had with older workers, parents, and youth.

Presenter: Sandrine Cortessis, IFFP

With the validation of acquired knowledge and experience, one can receive certification without having to sit through traditional training methods. Compiling both a written statement of one’s experience and restating said experience through an oral presentation are part of current VAKE devices. Given VAKE’s reliance on arguments and language, this presentation will examine the argumentative strategies used by candidates and experts. Results lead us to believe that the key to convincing juries to award a diploma is the ability to master language and social conventions. Knowing how to communicate is the number one skill needed during VAKE.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenters: Jean Augustine, OFC Fairness Commissioner; Irwin Fefergrad, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario; Deanna Williams, Ontario College of Pharmacists; Andrea Waldie, Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario

The Ontario regulatory sector can become sustainable in the early 21st century if it integrates immigrant professionals into the professions more quickly, adopts innovative means of assessment, offers fair licensing practices, responds pro-actively to new labour mobility laws and embraces the global economy. This workshop will explore these complex and inter-related ideas. Speakers include the registrars of three regulatory bodies and the Fairness Commissioner for the Province of Ontario.

Presenter: Sandi Howell, Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade

No matter if RPL is being implemented within an organization or across a government it helps to understand some change and systems theory and strategies. This presentation will focus on the Manitoba experience of cross-department policy implementation and industry RPL implementation and how to think of both areas as a system which requires change. The presentation will combine both the theoretical and lessons learned from the field.

Presenter: Nathalie Boudreau, Centre d'intégration au marché de l'emploi

The Centre d'intégration au marché de l'emploi (CIME) (labour market integration centre) is a NPO tasked with helping non-graduate women gain entry into the labour market. The centre focuses its activities around the recognition of informal skills. Results are impressive: 75% of its 300 clients have improved their career path. This presentation will highlight the four steps of the program’s team based approach: acknowledging one’s own work history as well as the work history of women in general, compiling and recognizing one’s own personal and professional skills, reinforcing one’s ability and commitment to having skills recognized, and finally, transferring recognized skills towards a new professional career goal.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenter: Geoff Peruniak, Athabasca University

The assessment of prior learning (APL) has normally been associated with the attainment of credentials. Those of us involved in APL have always known that there is far more prior learning present with any learner than can be assessed for credit. Many of us have been so busy trying to legitimize APL to our credentialing organizations that we may have neglected the basic developmental processes that underlie ourselves and our learners as whole persons. This session will explore opportunities and limitations of a deeper and more comprehensive review of prior experiential learning than that normally associated with the credentialing process.

Presenters: Roger Arsenault, Service de reconnaissance des acquis et des compétences de la région de la Capitale-Nationale; Andrée Gauvin, Commission scolaire de la Capitale; Marc St-Cyr, Cégep de Sainte-Foy; Sonia Gaudreault, Cégep de Sainte-Foy

To meet the evolving needs of clients within their area of Quebec, educational institutions in the Capitale-Nationale region look at creative ways of recognizing prior learning (RPL). During this workshop, we will explore how school board and college (cégep) teacher references brought about complementary evaluation and training tools adapted to the specific needs of a group of construction workers and a group of new immigrant workers. Consequently clients are on a faster and surer track to obtaining their diplomas. Diverse needs require diverse approaches!

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenters: Pauline McNaughton, Ontario Ministry of Education; Jonathan Brown, Ontario Ministry of Education

Statistics show that there are almost one million Ontarians of working age without a high school diploma. Prior learning assessment can help an adult gain recognition and credit for prior knowledge and skills towards a high school diploma. The Adult Education Policy Unit of the Ministry of Education has initiated capacity building activities to improve access to PLAR for mature student across the province. This workshop will highlight strategies to make PLAR services more accessible to adult newcomers and promote provincial consistency and standardization in the delivery of PLAR.

Presenter: Anne Pinchera, Liberty University

Almost every journal or publication in psychology and education includes information on the adult learner. Now, the adult learner population is large enough for researchers involved in learning and educational development research to find subjects. Studies show learning is the creation of a mental image saved in memory. Leading theorists use imagery to explain their theories. Hear how the Individual Learning Tree concept is developing to understand how adults learn and the effects early education have on the adult population.

Presenters: Kim Hollihan, WES, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour; NB PLAR Action Group; Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association; Frank Vandenburg, New Brunswick Community College

Can PLAR processes make the delivery of Workplace Essential Skills (WES) training more sustainable? The NB WES Program is aimed at enhancing adult literacy, promoting continuous learning, and collaborating with workers and employers to meet training needs. It is based on the HRSDC essential skills and accompanying occupational profile methodology. NBWES, the program's bilingual online system, provides skills assessments, captures prior learning and supports program delivery and evaluation. A program overview and NBWES demo will focus on the process and tools for assessing and recognizing workers' essential skills to permit individualized and customized training aimed at filling gaps in learning.

Presenters: Guy Fortier, Compétences Montréal; Patrick Caron, Cégep de St-Laurent, Montréal; Josée Robitaille, Cégep de St-Laurent, Montréal

This joint presentation of Compétences Montréal and Cégep de St-Laurent will describe a specific recognition of prior learning project relating to the field of medical device reprocessing (sterilization). It will show the impact of said program in the Greater Montreal’s health field. This program addresses the need to further train and develop individuals working in hospital sterilization centres in the Greater Montreal area. Interestingly, there is a tendency to integrate learning into the candidates’ workplace. This is done under the supervision of a cégep team of professionals. During the presentation, participants will hear all about the latest project developments.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenters: Jeff Nugent, Industry Training Authority; Dennis Green, Propel - Go2; Sandy Steward, Industry Training Authority

In 2008 a pilot was initiated in BC to test a better way of assessing and credentialing challengers in the Cook trade. Endorsed by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA), the project was run through a close partnership between the Industry Training Authority BC and Propel, the industry body with the mandate for industry trades training for BC's tourism, hospitality and foodservices sector. Hear from Propel and the ITA how the Cook industry worked to develop Occupational Performance Standards and a range of assessment tools that were used by trained assessors to collect evidence of competency for challengers of the Cook credential. Propel and ITA will describe how the pilot worked, key lessons learned, next steps, and why the industry sees this as the end of the “Paper Chef”.

Presenters: Ruth Wojtiuk, The Chang School - Ryerson University; Michelle Gordon, The Chang School - Ryerson University; Martha Ireland, The Chang School - Ryerson University

In the summer of 2009 Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education collaborated with Sunnybrook Health Science Centre (SHSC) to offer a self assessment and planning workshop designed for internationally educated professionals (IEPs) looking for career planning strategies. The advantages of offering this workshop have been twofold. Participants expressed increased confidence in identifying and articulating transferable skills, developing goal statements and utilizing various career and education planning tools. In addition systemic change was apparent in an increased awareness of career challenges faced by internationally educated staff and recognition of the hidden talents within the organization. This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of the processes involved in the assessment, planning implementation and evaluation of a customized PLAR based self assesment and career planning workshop.

Presenters: Gail Larose, Gail Larose Consulting; George Tillman, George Tillman Consulting/Expert-conseil

In 2009 Gail Larose and George Tillman were commissioned to discover whether any formal evaluations existed of initiatives by Canadian employers to valorize the non-Canadian work experience of immigrant workers. Their research revealed very few programs that addressed this question directly but a number of commendable initiatives where the foreign work experience of immigrant job seekers was recognized by employers. These initiatives are described in their report Valorizing Immigrants' Non-Canadian Work Experience published on the Canadian Council for Learning web site. Their session will explore what can be done to expand these initiatives especially for non-regulated occupations and SMEs.

Presenter: Jean-François Savard, Ministère de l'éducation, du loisir et du sport du Québec

In Quebec, the recognition of prior learning and competencies (RPLC) process incorporates what we usually refer to as “missing training”. It allows individuals enrolled in a recognition process to pick up the competency skills they are missing if they are unable to show that they have already mastered said skills. The presentation will try to identify what should make up the acquisition of missing competencies within a recognition of prior learning and competencies process. How can we adopt a personal approach, one that is tailored to each candidate’s situation? Which means can be taken to reach this goal? How can we build on each other’s prior learning to promote effective learning? Pertinent examples of missing competencies acquisition processes taken from the education field in Quebec will further illustrate points made during the presentation.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenter: Don Presant, CAPLA, MPLAN

Don Presant of Learning Agents, who has been tracking ePortfolios since 2004, will provide highlights from this summer's international conference in London.
It was actually three conferences in one:

1. ePortfolio 2010, the 8th international ePortfolio conference, with a special track on healthcare;
2. Key Competencies 2010, the 4th international conference on skills for life with a special focus on 21st century skills and competencies;
3. the first Internet of Subjects Forum, to spark international dialogue about personal data.

Presenter: Tania Toffner, Certification & Prior Learning Assessment

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is a national professional association and certification body for medical laboratory for medical laboratory professionals. We represent 14,000 members in Canada and around the world. Since 1999, the CSMLS had delivered a pan-Canadian (with the exception of Quebec) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. We evaluate over 300 internationally trained medical laboratory technologists annually, on behalf of the profession. The CSMLS is committed to continuous improvement in PLA and use research to provide an evidence base for policy change. Through this presentation, you will learn how CSMLS has utilized the research agenda to create a world class program, that uses a humanistic approach to credential evaluations and PLA.

Presenters: Salman Kureishy, Ryerson University; Eva Schausberger, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council; Stephanie van Riel, Information and Communications Technology Council

Today, more and more assessments leverage occupational and employer standards creating tools closely linked to workplace and industry needs in various sectors. Validated by job seekers, including immigrants, each responds to end-users' needs -- increasing understanding and awareness of prior learning and the ability to communicate one's skills, most critical steps to employment integration. The three online tools featured are: The Canada Readiness Tool; Finding and Applying your Skills in Tourism; Self-Assessment Tool for Internationally Trained Accounting and Financial Services Professionals. This presentation will provide a glimpse of the unique features of each assessment tool, contrasting approaches and reconciling differences.

Presenters: Monique Flibotte, Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec; Judith Leprohon, Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec

Nursing country profiles (NCPs) add a new dimension to PLAR. Each NCP contains information about the regulatory and legal framework, initial training programs and nursing practice in the country. Complementary to the paper-based evaluation, it allows for the context of practice to be taken into account while assessing prior learning. Come learn more about this innovative approach.

Presenter: Guy Grenier, Institut de coopération pour l'éducation des adultes

Introduced by the ICÉA in 1995, the “Nos compétences fortes” initiative is a consolidated skills recognition approach that allows adults to identify the skills they have learned through the experience of doing. This updated version of the recognition of generic skills approach developed by the ICÉA targets adults regardless of the group to which they belong. Find out how the “Nos competences fortes” initiative contributes to the development, the recognition and the valuing of adult generic skills.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenters: Charbel Mourad, Heritage College; Nadia Bissada, Dawson College

The implementation of RAC services by various educational institutions across Canada requires an optimization whereby the efficiency and effectiveness of the process are guaranteed while maintaining its integrity. While there is “no one solution fits all” (each context requires its own methodology), we should make use of technology whenever feasible. Heritage College and Dawson College have both integrated the use of technology through RAC. A presentation of a sample of the online self-assessment will be presented and the principles guiding the development will be explained.

Presenter: Yves Groulx, Société GRICS

The department responsible for educational and assessment services at GRICS has been developing, over the past few years, assessment products and services for a new clientele. Specifically they are targeting local and international businesses and corporations. Even if assessment practices are different between schools and businesses, basic assessment concepts are relatively the same. Like schools, organisations must qualify, certify and evaluate individuals. They must therefore have the proper tools to carry out these tasks. The impact that assessment tools may have on an organisation’s credibility and an individual’s future are quite great. During this workshop, we will quickly run through the products and services offered by the department responsible for educational and assessment services to organisations other than school boards. Then, we will glance at how this new service operated during the last three years. Finally, we will discuss the questions and challenges that await us in this new and growing market.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenters: Frank Vandenburg, NBCC, PETL; Philip Belanger, PETL

New Brunswick is taking several steps forward with the creation of the NBPLAR Action Group. This group has been formed as the result of a series of consultations in the Fall of 2009. Now stakeholders from all of the different organizations that use PLAR in New Brunswick are working together on a Coordination Plan to ensure that their efforts are effective, efficient and provide the best quality service to clients. Join us to discover how we are making the most of shared resources, using best practices and creating a shared vision of a sustainable PLAR service in NB.

Presenters: Deb Blower, Red River College; Frank Vandenburg, NBPLAR Action Group; Nicole Drapeau, NBPLAR Action Group

Two years of collaboration between the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and Red River College (RRC) resulted in the development of Socrates, an online Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) tool. Learners using Socrates self-assess to outcome-or competency-based courses, job descriptions, or professional qualifications. Socrates permits them to explore options, contribute to the advising process and prepare lists of possible evidence to demonstrate their skills and abilities. This presentation will be a collaborative effort from several organizations who have undertaken pilot projects using Socrates. Join us to discover the results of pilot project results involving students, workplace learners, and newcomers.

Presenters: Deb Blower, Red River College; Lauren Waples, Red River College

Quality and sustainability are critical components of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practices within a post secondary environment. This session will describe the building of sustainable practices at Red River College through exploration of current systems, practices, policies and resources/tools. Examples of effective and efficient “reduce, recycle and reuse” approaches, resources and tools ensuring quality in RRC's RPL system will be hightlighted.

Presenter: Adina Gray, Thompson Rivers University

Studies of farmer–owned cooperatives have found that these institutions offer its members numerous opportunities for informal learning. This presentation explores the idea of using Prior Learning Assessment Tools to recognize the skills gained by Coffee Farmers from Cooperativa Agraria Cafetalera Pangoa, a Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative from Northern Peru. Evidence collected in the field suggests that informal learning is part of everyday life for Pangoa Farmers however few of them recognize its value. The development of Competency based PLAR Portfolios could help these farmers gain an appreciation for their skills and it could also assist the cooperative in identifying and enhancing its human capital.

Presenter: Cailleagh Sharples, Nova Scotia CCA Program Advisory Committee, Health Association Nova Scotia

Over the past ten years Nova Scotia’s CCA Program has moved from a standard provincial education program to one that supports and responds to their participants needs by incorporating three different RPL Methods to accommodate a variety of participant backgrounds. With some innovative solutions to our challenges, the RPL Methods are starting to produce very positive numbers and uptake of these Methods is increasing every year This presentation will explore these Methods.

Presenter: Ginette Vienneau, New Brunswick Community College

In order to establish mechanisms that help facilitate and promote student mobility between postsecondary institutions within the province, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) have initiated various actions. The NBCC’s goal is to provide better service regarding assessment and recognition of prior educational training and experiential learning. During this session, we will inform you of the projects currently underway at the NBCC and the DPSETL. In addition, we will share best recognition of prior learning practices and business initiatives within participating educational institutions.

Presenters: CIITE representative, College representative from one of the pilot colleges, WES or ICAS representative, OCAS representative, Employer

The My Record / Record of Education and Experience (REE) and the My Record Report for Employers was developed by the Ontario colleges, in partnership with Colleges Integrating Immigrants to Employment and CONNECT to streamline the recognition of international credentials and experience for internationally trained immigrants (ITIs). These tools have the potential to better serve the 36% of Ontario college students who have prior post-secondary experience. This presentation will discuss the best practices and lessons learned from the pilot thus far and present research and future plans to expand and implement the My Record.

Presenters: Jean-François Thuot, Québec Interprofessional Council; Christiane Gagnon, Office des professions du Québec

Evaluating work experience in regulated occupations is often overlooked during the recognition of competencies process. Speakers will present an evaluation model adapted to regulated occupations. This model was developed in accordance to a France-Quebec agreement on labour mobility practices. It also takes into account the recognition of skills criteria that could be included in the Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement.

Presenter: Sandi Howell, Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade

No matter if RPL is being implemented within an organization or across a government it helps to understand some change and systems theory and strategies. This presentation will focus on the Manitoba experience of cross-department policy implementation and industry RPL implementation and how to think of both areas as a system which requires change. The presentation will combine both the theoretical and lessons learned from the field.

Presenter: Paul Nkeng, University of Strasbourg

The validation of acquired knowledge and experience at the Université allows anyone with at least three years experience relating to the requirements of a diploma to have this experience recognized toward said degree. Our presentation shows how the VAKE approach provides adults with the opportunity to highlight the scope and the richness of their experiences to better represent themselves in terms of personal development. Our presentation will show the implementation of a little-used diploma-describing document to assist university validation juries, the “NDPC sheet”, as well as the mobilisation of said juries to change their student assessment approach.

••• This presentation will be presented in French

Presenter: Lori Fontaine, Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner’s (OMFC) primary motivation is to see changed practice that improves the outcomes for internationally educated applicants (IEA) as they seek professional registration. The OMFC provides information and expertise, and supports regulators to increase capacity related to the assessment and registration of IEAs.

The OMFC is guided in its work by Manitoba’s Process Model for Qualification Recognition that sets out an ideal systemic model for the assessment and recognition of internationally educated professionals; here, all stakeholders have responsibility and a role to play.

Systemic change requires an impetus for action and the support to step back and allow awareness and solution to evolve. Given resources to implement new approaches, changed practices then often demand little in the way of ongoing resources.

Presenter: David Livingstone, formerly of OISE/UT

This paper will present the basic findings from three national surveys conducted in 1998, 2004 and 2010 on paid and unpaid work, formal and informal learning and attitudes toward the principle of prior learning recognition. Relations between various socio-demographic factors and support for prior learning recognition will analyzed. In particular, trends in relations between formal and informal learning activities will be assessed in terms of implications for changes in popular support for initiatives to gain recognition for prior learning.