http://www.cit.ie

A current overview of Recognition of Prior Learning in Irish Higher Education

Deirdre Goggin Recognition of Prior Learning / Work Based Learning March 2015

Background to research

 Practitioners and scholarship in the area for over a decade  Research footprint in Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) and Work based learning (WBL)  Extended Campus which supports the collaboration between the college and external stakeholders for customised course development, placement and research opportunities  National funded project with the Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education  RPL refers to learning which has been acquired prior to registering on a programme of study, so it is considered within the context of a destination award

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Aim of the research

    Establish current policies , processes , practices and aspirations of Irish Higher Education Institutions with regard to lifelong learning with particular reference to Recognition of Prior Learning European Policy Framework Informed policy recommendations Promote a more consistent and coherent approach to RPL across Irish Higher Education practice

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Lifelong learning in Ireland

Education and Training Monitor 2014 Ireland Position in Relation to key performance indicators 2020-04-25

Source:

DG Education and Culture calculations, based on data from Eurostat (LFS 2013 and UOE 2012) and OECD (PISA 2012). by the centre of the chart).

Note:

all scores are set between a maximum (the highest performers visualised by the outer ring) and a minimum (the lowest performers visualised

http://ec.europa.eu/education/tools/et-monitor_en.htm

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Economic downturn Skills shortage in growth areas Numerous strategies -LMA National Strategy in HE to 2030 HEA – Widening access and participation National development

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Recognition of Prior Learning

   Learning which has taken place prior to registering on a programme of study   RPL, PLAR, VPL, RNFIL, VNFIL, PLA Prior learning is recognised and given an appropriate value which is an important step in ensuring lifelong learning pathways are meaningful and accessible Extensive literature in the area Aim of the research is to look at the Irish perspective and practice  External facing media

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Analysis

Review of public facing information

HECA Institutes of Technology Universities 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Student supports Initial Information Prospectus Policy Websites

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Conclusion

  RPL could benefit from a uniform approach to strengthen its delivery across the sector  Approach is varied and inconsistent  Language, amount of information, location and visability If Higher Education intends to respond to the requirement of the European Council recommendation of 2012 , early findings illustrate the scale of the task  Diversity in approach augments the notion that RPL is somehow added on or additional to normal provision  RPL provision when well supported leads to a quality systemised approach including outputs and assessment

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2020-04-25 Deirdre Goggin RPL / WBL Cork Institute of Technology [email protected]

353 21 4335133

Thank you

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