Student Perceptions of and Experiences With a PLA Course and Portfolio Review

Abstract

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is the process whereby a student's outside-of-the-classroom learning is evaluated for college-level credit. PLA has been gaining momentum across the United States as part of the efforts to improve institutional completion rates for adult learners. In the present article, we provide an overview of the PLA portfolio review process at a large public U.S. institution and the use of an online or hybrid course to assist students in developing their portfolio for review. We also present the results of a survey examining the perceptions and experiences of the students who completed the PLA portfolio course. We conclude by discussing students' perceived gains from the PLA portfolio course and implications for PLA courses offered by other institutions.

Keywords:

• prior learning assessment
• portfolio assessment of prior learning
• adult degree completion programs
• adult education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dianna Z. Rust

Dianna Z. Rust is Associate Professor, University Studies

Thomas M. Brinthaupt

Thomas M. Brinthaupt is Director of Faculty Development, Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center and Professor of Psychology at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN.