Credit Where Credit is Due: Awarding Prior Learning Credit to ESL in a BAS Program

Credit Where Credit is Due: Awarding Prior Learning Credit to ESL in

a BAS Program

North Seattle Community CollegeInternational Business

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree

Dr. Terry Cox, Dr. Honorio Todino, Mr. Jesse Cooley

Overview●Who we are●Where we come from●A bit about BAS degrees●A bit about our pathway and students●More on cultural competency●Prior learning assessment for cultural competency●Nuts and boltRules of engagement:●Ask questions anytime● If it appears to be a rabbit trail, we may defer until the

end●Enjoy! We promise not to make you late for lunch

●One of four campuses in the Seattle Community College District

●Established in 1970

●Serves over 14,000 students each year

● Introduced first Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in International Business in Fall 2013

North Seattle Community College

What is a BAS Degree?●BAS = Bachelor of Applied Science

● Otherwise referred to as an Applied Baccalaureate Degree

●Pathway for students with 2-year technical degree to seek a 4-year bachelor degree

●Emphasizes and incorporates applied, hands on learning in curriculum

●First BAS programs in Washington State began in 2007

International Business – BAS Degree●This degree was approved in May 2013 by State

Board and first cohort of students began in September 2013

●During degree development business owners, upper management and HR representatives in international businesses were interviewed

● FedEx, UPS, Port of Seattle, Amazon, Boeing, Small Business Development Center, Red Arrow Logistics, Chambers of Commerce

● All interviewees stress importance of graduates and employees that had cultural competence, awareness and sensitivity

I-BEST Pathway●Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training

●2 instructors working together

●ABE/ESL students learn basic math and English skills in the context of workplace skills for a particular job pathway

●Accounting I-BEST feeds the certificate which feeds the degree, which is aligned with BAS requirements.

International Business – BAS Degree● Cohort consists of 13

students and includes students born in China, Colombia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Zambia, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United States

● All are naturalized citizens of the USA, but international students may apply for future years

International Business Practicum● Created IBN 350 – International Business Practicum

● Student must work, volunteer or travel within a secondary culture and be immersed in the other culture

● Cultural immersion should align with foreign language studies

● Course Goal: To ensure all International Business students gain some exposure to a second language/culture.

● Course Outcomes:● Discuss the culture of choice, and specific business practices unique

to that culture. ● Compare the culture experienced in the practicum to the student’s

culture of origin.

● Many students in the cohort grew up, attended school, and/or lived in other countries aside from the USA, making the USA their immersion experience and these students are eligible for credit for prior learning

● International business research on competencies

● Radebaugh (2013) synthesized results of 6 studies

● Pursue self‐awareness and continuous development

● Pursue awareness and appreciation of others' differences

International Business Practicum

● Develop ability to assess intercultural performance in social or business settings (Hunter, 2004)

● Develop ability to identify cultural differences in order to compete globally (Hunter, 2004)

● Develop a nuanced/complex understanding of culture as a concept and the deep/complex/dynamic nature of culture (Olson, Evans, & Shoenberg, 2007)

International Business Practicum

● Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) enables individuals to earn credit and recognition for the skills and knowledge they have already acquired.

● Current changes in higher education, the economy and society in general provide the impetus and context for the development of policy and guidelines on assessing prior learning.

Prior Learning Assessment

● Washington State attempts to

provide adults with opportunities to earn credit for what they know and can do.

● High education costs, scarce resources and pressure to acquire meaningful credentials have created the need for many adults to progress from where they currently are – not to repeat what they already know and can do.

Prior Learning Assessment

● Prior learning assessment methods include: ● Portfolio development ● Course challenge and oral examinations ● Standardized tests

● Assessment by portfolio is a process through which a student documents that college-level learning experiences have been obtained through non-college experiences.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Portfolio (adapted from Polk State College)• Cover page • Table of contents • Request for Prior Learning Assessment Credits form • Course syllabus/syllabi with detailed course learning outcomes • Autobiography • Resume • Goal statements• Chronological record • Multi-page essay about knowledge acquired/significant learning outcome

in response to cross-cultural competency questions• Bibliography • Appendices

Prior Learning Portfolio

● Option 1: PLA for immigrants and foreign born students

● Option 2: PLA for American born students with international experience

● Option 3: Conventional option to take the course with cultural immersion options● College study abroad● Self-study abroad● Self-study in American ethnic community

Practicum Fulfillment Options

Thank You

● Dr. Honorio Todino – honorio.todino@seattlecolleges.edu 206-934-7504

● Mr. Jesse Cooley – jesse.cooley@seattlecolleges.edu 206-934-6131

● Dr. Terry Cox – terry.cox@seattlecolleges.edu 206-934-7798