Examination as the method in the recognition of prior language learning

ABSTRACT

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a principle in education to acknowledge and validate learning acquired during and throughout an individual’s lifetime. Formal, non-formal and informal learning can be assessed, recognised and accredited for various purposes in an individual’s education or professional life. The methods of assessing prior learning vary across educational levels but examinations and portfolios are the most common methods in European higher education. This study investigated how Finnish university students perceived and RPL examination as the method of recognising their non-formal and informal learning of English for academic purposes. During a three-year period data were collected with a questionnaire and interview from RPL participants studying Business and Economics, and with an electronic survey with non-participant students from the same degree programme. The findings indicate that Finnish university students in both groups preferred the examination as the RPL method for non-formal and informal learning of academic English, and some RPL participants were critical of the option of a portfolio for the assessment of prior language learning. This can be seen to emphasise the use of similar assessment methods in both the RPL assessment and the equivalent formal learning instruction.

KEYWORDS:

• RPL
• higher education
• English for academic purposes
• non-formal and informal learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Courses on English for academic purposes (EAP) focus on learning academic English through tasks, texts and content relating to academic English for study and research purposes. In EAP courses students develop their knowledge of language features, style, vocabulary and organisational structures found in academic texts and communicative situations (Carkin, 2005).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Satu Tuomainen

Dr. Satu Tuomainen works as a Senior Lecturer of English at the University of Eastern Finland. She teaches courses on academic English using a variety of methods through classroom, online and blended learning. Her current research interests include non-formal and informal learning, student perceptions of learning, and learning difficulties and anxiety in higher education.