Post on 16-Apr-2017
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Supporting Transitions: Putting the Principles of PLAR to Work
Susan SimoskoNovember 5, 20109:00 – 10:30
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Overview
PLAR process and principles Applications Benefits Implications for you
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
About you
Think about all the things you do Identify something you are good at: What did
you do? What did you have to know to perform it? When did you do it? What did it entail?
Exchange stories with a neighbor
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
About your skills and knowledge
How would you prove to us that you really know and can do what you say?
Share that information with your neighbor too
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
One way to look at it…
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Basic process– Identify– Equate– Assess– Recognize/credit
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Identify
How do you do this? What is the “right” level? What is the expected outcome for
– Learner/applicant– “Advisor”
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Equate
What is the purpose? What are the “standards”? How do you use job descriptions,
occupational competencies, learning outcomes, or course descriptions?
What is the expected outcome?
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Assessment
Linked to the purpose– Self assessment– Oral interview– Written exam– Demonstration
Workplace Simulation
– Portfolio of evidence
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
PLAR Definition
A process that enables individuals to receive credit and recognition for what they know and can do
(Old: A process that enables individuals to receive credit and recognition for their “prior”
learning.)
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Formal assessment systems must be technically sound
Valid Reliable Fair and culturally appropriate Verify currency Verify authenticity Feasible
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Key PLAR Principles
All learning has value Where, when or how learning occurred is not
particularly important Verification of skills and knowledge requires some
sort of assessment or evaluation—informal or formal—depending on the potential application of the learning
Assessment/recognition is the interpretation of evidence that enables us to make a decision
(Remember, there are many assessment options for identifying and generating evidence!)
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Applications: Is this someone you know?
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Applications: Success Stories
Traditional vocational and technical Academic Employment-related Professional recognition/continuing competence Unique applications
– Young offenders– Labour unions– Credit for unwaged work*
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Credit for unwaged work (homemakers)
Functional analysisA. Develop and manage systems B. Optimize the acquisition and use of material and financial
resourcesC. Obtain, record and provide information to othersD. Support and care for adultsE. Care for and supervise childrenF. Maintain the health and safety of household membersG. Provide services to household membersH. Maintain the interior and exterior of the homeI. Contribute to the national and local community
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Function F: Maintain the health and safety of household members
Activities: – Manage the health and sickness of adults and
children– Supervise treatment processes for adults and
children– Maintain health and safety in the home
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Related occupations
Nursing Paramedics Dietician Environmental health officer Security officer First aid instructor Professional cleaner
Susan Simosko Associates, Inc.
Contribute to the national and local community: Related occupations
Fundraiser Youth workers Organizer for charities/conferences Adult or child advocates Police officer
What are the benefits of systematically applying the PLAR process?
Enhanced self confidence Greater clarity about strengths and
limitations New directions New credentials New opportunities Can save time, money and duplication of
effort
Implications for you…
Implications for you…
What will you do differently?– How will you apply the concept? – What outcomes will/could be different?– What materials, if any, will you develop?– What partnerships, if any, will you form and/or
develop?– How can you support one another?– What additional skills and knowledge would
enhance your work?
Potential resources National: Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment
(CAPLA): www.recognitionforlearning.ca
Provincial: www.bcplan.ca
Local:– Dawn McCooey: www.employeeretentiontool.ca– Camosun College: www.camosuncollege.bc.ca– Royal Roads University: www.royalroadsuniversity.bc.ca– Others!
PLAR is a only a concept…How you apply it is up to you!
Thank you!
Susan Simoskossimosko@telus.net
www.susansimosko.com250-655-6773
204A-2453 Beacon Ave.Sidney, BC V8L 1X7