Quality Assurance in the Implementation of APEL at Open University Malaysia

Lilian Kek Siew Yick

Institute for Learning Recognition & Accreditation

Open University Malaysia

lilian@oum.edu.my

2016 MQA & IQA International Seminar on Quality Assurance of Higher Education 17 & 18 October 2016

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Petaling Jaya

Presentation Outline

• Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015 – 2025 (Higher Education)

• Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF) • OUM Fact File • APEL: Definition • How does APEL Work? • APEL (A) & APEL (C) • APEL Model at OUM • Challenges in the Implementation of APEL • The need for QA in APEL • QA in the Implementation of APEL

Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015 – 2025 (Higher Education)

(Source: MOHE, 2015)

(Source: MOHE, 2015)

Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF)

OUM Fact File • Statistics:

• 52 programmes

(Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, PhD)

• Learning Centres

(28 Local, 10 International)

• Tutors: (Active: 2,566 , Database: 11,352)

• Cumulative Intake

(U/G: 136,334, P/G: 10,702)

• Active Enrolment

(Local: 41,270, International: 8,382)

• Graduates: ~73,000

Type of Establishment • Open & Distance Learning Institution • Owned by a consortium of 11 Public Universities in Malaysia

History: • 10 August 2000 • Launched 26 August 2001

APEL – Definition

• Prior learning is defined as “knowledge, skills or attitudes previously acquired … prior experience”

• Experiential Learning includes the non-formal and informal learning acquired by individuals throughout their work and life experiences.

• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is systematic process that involves the identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning to determine the extent to which an individual has achieved the desired learning outcomes, for access to a programme of study and/or award of credits.

Malaysian Qualifications Agency Act 2007 (Act 679)

How does APEL work?

Competencies Acquired from Experiential Learning • Short Courses/ Training • Seminars/ Workshops • Licensed Professionals • Work Experiences • Lifelong Experiences

APEL ASSESSMENT

APEL (A): ACCESS

into OUM Programme of

Study

APEL (C): CREDITS AWARD

towards total graduation

requirement

OUM has been approved to implement APEL (A) and APEL (C)

MQF Level AGE MIN. QUALIFICATION WORK EXP. APEL ASSESSMENT

DIPLOMA More than 20 - √ √

BACHELOR More than 21 - √

√

MASTER More than 30 STPM / DIPLOMA / A- LEVELS /

√

√

Criteria as outlined by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education

APEL for Access: APEL (A)

• Assessment of an individual’s experiential learning towards the achievement of specific course learning outcomes.

• APEL Assessment

• Maximum of 30% Credit Transfer through APEL

APEL for Credit Award: APEL (C)

APEL Model at OUM

Start

APEL Process

Assessment Stage

Challenge Test e-Portfolio

Competent? Competent?

Post-Assessment Stage

NoNo

End

Yes Yes

Pre-Assessment Stage

Competent?

No

End

Yes

AppealAppeal

• Perception of APEL

• Lack of awareness & acceptance of APEL

• Limited literature and existing practices

• Conceptualisation of the APEL Process

• Complicated, time-consuming, bureaucratic and expensive process

Challenges in the Implementation of APEL

• Ensuring consistency in practices, fairness to those from the traditional formal learning

• Transparent and clear guidelines

• APEL is integrated as part of institutions academic policy

• Credibility, integrity and sustainability of APEL

The Need for QA in APEL

• Accessibility of APEL

• APEL Education

• Public awareness and acceptance

• Review of Existing Academic Practices Assessors, Course Learning Outcomes, Assessment Tools

• Technology & Information Management

• Validation, review and monitoring

QA in the Implementation of APEL

LILIAN KEK SIEW YICK Deputy Director Institute for Learning Recognition & Accreditation OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA lilian@oum.edu.my For more information, - visit our website at http://apel.oum.edu.my - contact us: 03-2773 2700 / 2556

THANK YOU