Prior Learning Case Studies

Many colleges around the country have developed programs for adult learners that help accelerate their progress by offering academic credit for their work and life experience. Following each brief description is the name of a contact person who can be reached for further information. 

Anne Arundel Community College (AAAC)
Arundel College offers college credit for prior or experiential learning gained by adult students outside of the classroom. Learners who have gained skills or knowledge from:

• Work experience
• Seminars/Workshops/Training
• Noncredit college courses
• Independent study
• Military service
• Community activities
• Hobbies
• Volunteer activities

Students can receive college credit for prior learning by completing portfolios and having them assessed by AACC faculty. Portfolio Assessment of prior learning is available in the four disciplines: architecture; business; engineering technologies; and human services and gerontology.

AAAC follows the guidelines for prior learning as set forth by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning: http://www.cael.org.

Contact:
Dr. Shree Iyengar, Director, Learning Outcomes Assessment
410.777.2266, PLA@aacc.edu

AAAC also offers the Hospitality Culinary Arts and Tourism Institute. The HCAT applied sciences degree in Culinary Arts is an accredited program. Within a single administrative and operational structure, there are for-credit, not-for credit, and continuing education services in order to provide students with multiple options within one organizational structure focused on a career theme.

HCAT has moved from traditional faculty to instructional specialists, whose duties include on-site training programs at a business site, as well as curriculum development.

Also, HCAT has tried to develop a strong relationship and frequent interaction with national and local industry associations and businesses. The program has a 25-person advisory board comprised of senior-level chefs, hotel and restaurant owners and managers, industry suppliers, and hotel and lodging association representatives. The board members and their companies provide support for the HCAT program and students and offer placements of students as interns or employees.

HCAT offers a foundation to build a set of stackable credentials that attempt to integrate industry standards and credentials. There are three ways HCAT’s structure lends itself to integrating stackable, occupational credentials within a degree-granting structure:

• Integrated credit and non-credit course sections shift the program’s emphasis from the traditional format of academic degree-based education to more of a focus on the occupational content itself.
• Offering credit for courses that lead directly to an industry certification also builds toward a stackable credential system by incorporating industry guidelines and certifications into the degree program.
• The institute’s close working relationship with the local industry underscores the importance of occupational, industry-based skill requirements.

AACC believes the institute model contributes to student-centered education; new institutes are planned in teacher training, criminal justice, and security. AAAC has recently started an Entrepreneurial and Management Institute.

Contact:
Wendy Melchor, Program Assistant
 410.777.2398, wlmelchor@aacc.edu

Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College’s Experiential Learning portfolio program is known as Prior Learning Activity for Credit Evaluation—PLACE. It is for adults who have gained college-level learning through work, volunteer activities, participation in civic and community assignments, travel, independent study, and similar life experiences.

All students who wish to obtain credit through experiential learning must enroll in a course designed to assist them in preparing a portfolio. This portfolio program is also taught online. The portfolio is required of all students who are seeking credit for their experiential learning.

Most students in the program are in business or computer fields. There are some health care professionals. The program is mostly student-initiated, but attempts are being made to have more partnerships with employers. One recent partnership involves paraprofessionals with the Fairfax County Schools.

Contact:
Cammy White, Counselor, PLACE Program
703.845.6263, hwhite@nvcc.edu