Block Credit Prior Learning Assessment Theory to Practice

ABSTRACT

An increasing number of universities have implemented prior learning assessment (PLA), but little research has examined the non-course matching approach referred to as block credit PLA. Adult learners pursuing a college degree often bring professional competencies, knowledge, and skills to the classroom. PLA enables adult learners to earn college credit hours based on prior college-level learning gained outside the traditional classroom. This study operationalized Block Credit Prior Learning Assessment to award college credit hours for adults enrolled in a college completion program. Participants were comprised of 280 undergraduate students who submitted a PLA portfolio for evaluation by trained raters. Research methods included computing Cronbach’s alpha for inter-rater reliability and conducting principal component analysis to weight four internal variables for computing a score. Results indicated a weighted score from internal variables combined with external variable scores aligned with college credit hours. This study relates PLA theory to practice in implementing Block Credit Prior Learning Assessment.

KEYWORDS:

• Prior learning assessment
• block credit
• college credit hours
• principal component analysis
• portfolios

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Texas Workforce Commission (US) [1518WOS000]; Texas Workforce Commission (US) [1517WOS000].