General information

Module EDUC6004

Portfolio Methods for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• This module will take you through the process of preparing a learning portfolio and show you how prior learning is given formal recognition on assessment for credits

• The module allows you to document knowledge skills and competencies gained so far

• Shows the relevance of portfolio development within the formal third level system and within the community

• Module delivered over 13 weeks • Phil O’Leary• Recognition of Prior Learning for CIT• Phil.oleary@cit.ie

Assessment of this module

1. Week 5 - Short answer questions 20% 2. Week 12 - Completion of learning portfolio

60%3. Week 13 - Reflection 20%

Learning Outcomes1. Describe the terms; course aims, objectives, structure and

syllabi including assessment and associated credits.2. Reflect on past learning, acquired through experience and/or

other courses, and to relate these to the learning outcomes of a given course module

3. Describe Recognition of Prior Learning and the associated processes

4. Prepare a sample learning portfolio for Recognition of Prior Learning

5. Describe the relevance of portfolio development for capacity building in the community

Recognition of Prior Learning All you need to know

What isRecognition of Prior Learning ?

How does it work ? Is there a policy ?

Prepare a prior learning case ?

This class will cover the following:

Why the different types of learning matter

The RPL policy in CIT

How to submit a prior learning case

What happens in assessment ?

When do I hear back ?

Recognition of Prior Learning

Is when recognition is

given

for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module

We focus on learning

What you have learned previously through activities in the workplace, also hobbies, or community involvement

National Framework of Qualifications

Level 1-10

Each of these levels has level descriptors describing knowledge skills and competences at each level

CIT programmes comply with these levels - programme outcomes

Each programme is made up of modules

they are units of learning (a subject)

Each module is made up of

learning outcomes

these describe what you know or can do

as a result of taking a module

its the key learning gained

The Learning outcomes are your goalposts – you must show how you meet each of them

You must meet each learning

outcome to be allowed a prior

learning case

You must organise documentation to support your claim

Get the learning outcomes atcourses.cit.ie

We categorise learning as

Formal

non formal

Informal

Approach differs depending on the type of learning you have

there is different paperwork and proof needed

For prior formal learning

Learning that was gained in collegeDownload from http://www.cit.ie/rpl/submittingmycase/creditsonaprogramme/

Prior formal learning - proof

• Must bring transcript of results – the original• Syllabus (your year)• (and if you can get it include the exam paper) Transcript of

results

syllabus

Page 2

Where you state the basis of your case – what relevant exam have you done already ?

Mark each learning outcomewith a colour and use that to show where your learning matches on your previous syllabus

Page 3 - Mapping your learning against the learning outcomes

Match where you meet each learning outcome with your old syllabus

Map where your previous learning matches that of the current module

Old syllabus highlighted where relevant

Results Formal learning• Gets an exemption (if each learning outcome is met)• Shows as X on the results transcript• Full credits awarded• Full module fee upfront and after module exam

board formalises result refund (less 50 euro assessment fee) is paid (June and Feb)

Non formal learning

Learning that was gained in a training course at work or in the communityDownload from http://www.cit.ie/rpl/submittingmycase/creditsonaprogramme/

Non formal learning proof

SyllabusCertificatesOutline of training courseCourse notesBrief explanation against the learning outcomes of the module

Get the correct set of learning outcomes at http://modules.cit.ie/

Present a case against each one showing how you have it covered already

Portfolio Template

Amend CV to represent you10 minutes effortdetails relevant to the module

Present against the learning outcomes

Present what was doneagainst each

learning outcome

Show how previous course is relevant

Non formal verificationlist as presented

Verification section

List all proof herePut effort into

organising proof and labelling or signposting what you are using

Results non formal learning

• Gets a grade (if each learning outcome is met)• Shows as a numerical mark on the results transcript• Full credits awarded• Full module fee – no refund

Informal learning (experiential)

Experiential learning gained through activities in the workplace, also hobbies, or community involvementDownload from http://www.cit.ie/rpl/submittingmycase/exp/

Informal learning proof(experiential)

• Must back up what you are claiming• Use a range of proof that shows your involvement• Emails, documents, project outlines• diaries, letters, photos, log books, • Standard Operating Procedures, artifacts, products,

etc

Portfolio Template

Amend CV & Job Description to represent youdetails relevant to the module

10 minutes effort on CV sectionUse existing text

State the basis of the case

Put an X opposite which type (or both)

For informal learning

• Present a case against each learning outcome showing what you know

• Back up what you say with

documentation to support your claim

Spend time and effort here

For informal learning

List all proof against the learning outcomesPut effort into organising proof and labelling what you are using

Signpost informal learning

Take time to label all proof against each learning outcomeOrganise in correct order

Results informal learning• Gets a grade (if each learning outcome is met)• Shows as a numerical mark on the results transcript• Full credits awarded• Full module fee – no refund

For combination cases

• Use portfolio approach

• Some learning outcomes will be covered by the previous course you’ve done.

• Some learning outcomes will be covered by your experiential learning

• Or a mix of the two

For combination casesExperiential learning for one outcome and formal learning for another

(or a mix of the two)

experiential formal

Result combination cases• Result noted as X (exempt) on the results transcript

one element of your case was previously assessed already

• Full credits awarded• Full module fee – no refund• Gets an exemption (if each learning outcome is met)

Deadline – week 6 of Semester

• That is the week of 15th – 19th October 2012 or mid March 2013

• Any late submissions are automatically forwarded to Summer term for Autumn repeat examination session.

• Onus on student to reapply 1st week of June

When do I hear ?

• Allow a week – ten days before informal word is returned on the outcome of the case. Ask the assessor or phil.oleary@cit.ie can find out.

• Module exam board at semester end formalises the result

Outcomes of assessment

1. Each learning outcome is met - your prior learning case will be allowed

2. 4 out of the 5 learning outcomes are met - its the assessors decision as to what steps can be taken to cover the last outcome or to either allow it or not to allow the case at all

3. 3 out of 5 learning outcomes are met - the learning is not similar enough and so the prior learning case will not be allowed

• Remember today

• What RPL is – when recognition is given for what you already know

prior to starting on a programme or module

• That there is a process whereby all types of learning can be used to present for credits against a course programme

• Our task with this module is to understand what RPL is so we can

• Develop a sample portfolio as part of its assessment

• Next week – will revisit what RPL is• Begin the sample portfolio preparation

Learning outcome 1 – explaining basic terms

Learning Outcome 1

Describe the terms; course aims, objectives, structure and syllabi including assessment and associated credits

• course aims and objectives – the general aims and objectives a course programme is intended to cover

• Usually listed at the start of the programme now as programme outcomes

• Course structure and syllabi

• Semester = 30 credits• Year = 60 credits• Mandatory and electives

• Assessment and credits – handout

Learning Outcome 2Reflect on past learning, acquired through experience and/or other courses, and to relate these to the learning outcomes of a given course module

Learning Outcome 3Describe Recognition of Prior Learning and the associated processes

Learning Outcome 4Prepare a sample learning portfolio for Recognition of Prior Learning

• Learning Outcome 5• Describe the relevance of portfolio development

for capacity building in the community• Why is this handy to know about ?

RPL allows for types of learning to be presented for credits on a programme