Life Experience
This is probably one of the most challenging areas for the awarding of transfer credit. It can be extremely political, as well as troublesome for an institution if not performed properly. Is there a specific training program that addresses this issue?
I agree with you on the specific skill set part. However, I think the test should be looked at very carefully to ensure it truly tests experience and/or knowledge. Some people are incredible test takers and can pass a test without much experience or knowledge. It seems they can almost "beat" any of the tricks of the test.
Joseph,
The awarding of life experience credit for academic credit is one of great debate. Each school must publish their policy and conduct a thorough analysis.
Patty Aronoff
I've had the same experience with Law Enforcement. Many institutions will offer life experience credits in areas thatin which officers perform daily duties. i.e. evidence handling, courtroom procedures, and criminal law.
Jonathan,
Performance in specific skill sets is an excellent way to determine competency.
Patty Aronoff
Yes. We allow our students to test out of computer program classes like Photoshop. We have a specific test for each program, because we need to regulate their benchmarks to make sure that they are ready to move on to the next level within our institution.
Karen,
The school must make the determination of life credits for their particular program of study. The process should be in your catalog and approved by CIE.
Patty Aronoff
Karen,
The Commission has rules regarding life experience credit. Your catalog must specifically outline the criteria and method for evaluation.
Patty Aronoff
I don't believe that you can use PLAC or CLEP in your major and I believe that those credits can only be used for level 100 and level 200 courses. I believe that PLAC and CLEP may only be used in Electives and some general education courses. Now there may be an acceptation when a student takes training at their job that has been evaluated for college credit. I could be wrong and this may be only for my institution.
Prior Learning Assessment Credit has been around for a long time and my understanding is that most institutions will accept some PLAC credit, but, I could be wrong. The credit is assessed by a separate body. I was awarded 10 credits in piano pedagogy through PLAC. I actually took 6 CEU type classes and became certified to teach the PACE piano program. I did not take the classes for college credit, which I should have done. I had a music school in my home and I taught over 100 students a year for around 19-20 years. I was also the Treasurer, Secretary, V.P., Exec. V.P., and President, of the Pace teachers organization, in Denver, Colorado. I also attended study groups as well as monthly meetings. I started college at age 39 and for me getting credit for this huge body of work was very important. In 1991, I took a class to understand how to write my proposal to the PLAC organization. It was quite an ordeal. They evaluated my packet and awarded me ten credits. I sent in videos, report cards, and all the documents used in my studio. I had to write my paper using their guidelines. This was not an easy process. I understand that you can also get PLAC credits for training that has already been evaluated for credit.
I would agree that it all depends. If someone has worked in the criminal justice field and is now pursuing their Criminal Justice degree, the knowledge the student already posses is invaluable.
Erika,
The question would be, are the two truly equivalent? Education is not always a substitute for life or visa versa.
Patty Aronoff
Wade,
This is a great point in giving life credit in exchange for academic credit. It is a difficult comparison to say the least.
Patty Aronoff
I think some schools allow prospective students to test out of classes, which the life experiences may come in for any TOC.
Unfortunately, if you want to attract the military personnel to your programs of study, most expect consideration of life experience. Having served for twelve years myself, I do see a limited amount of worthy credit for that experience. Hwever, with that being stated, measuring such experience requires that it be done by someone with enormous knowledge of the military environment around the world. This would be someone at the mid to senior officer ranks, with thirty-years of experience or more. The civilian world is tougher to measure due to the eclectic nature of the private sector.
Wade,
Most schools shy away from this practice. It is difficult to equate to academia. Check further into Maxknowledge for upcoming training titles.
Patty Aronoff
