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Discusses Prior Learning Assessments as key strategy in retaining adult students in higher education.
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A Strategy for Retaining Adult Learners in Higher Education
Presented by: Halona Y. Agouda, M.Ed.
Doctoral Student, Community College Education
George Mason University, Fall 2009
Prior Learning Assessments
AGENDA
Thesis statementAdults in higher educationThe PLA at NOVABreakdown of PLACurricular & organizational strategies to
retain adults in higher educationFuture research
Thesis Statement
How Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) fits into strategies for retaining adult learners in
community colleges?
What is a PLA?
Prior Learning Assessment:
Process of earning college credit through the assessment of past work, volunteer, training, and general life experience.
Adults in Higher Education
70% of college students are considered to be “adults”
Most attend college part-time during evenings, weekends, or online
Retention rate for learners age 30+ is 65.4%
Graduation rate for learners age 30+ is 10.8%
Adults in Community Colleges
Average age is 29
2/3 attend college part-time
Approx. ½ of all African-American, Native American, and Hispanic college students go to community colleges
7 Barriers to Graduation for Adults
Time lapse between graduating from high school and college
Part-time enrollment in collegeLack of financial support from parentsHaving a full-time jobTaking care of children and/or other dependentsSingle parentingLack of a high school diploma
Adult students in community college are more likely to face at least 2 or more risk
factors than 4-year college students.
PLA at NOVAPLACE: Prior Learning Assessment for Credit
EvaluationStudent centered, strengths based
assessmentAssessment evaluated through development
of a portfolioGoals:
Identify student’s learning experiencesMatch the student’s learning to college coursesArticulate and document the student’s learning
in a portfolio
How does the PLA work?
Student enrolls in PLACE, decides what course to challenge
4 parts of PLA:Life historyGoals statementIdentify competenciesDocumentation of competencies
How PLA fits into… Curricular strategies for retaining adults in
higher education:
5 ways to receive credit for learningEnroll in traditional coursesTransfer credits from another institutionTraining course approved by American
Council on EducationTake College Level Examination Program
(CLEP) TestPLA portfolio
How PLA fits into…Organizational strategies for retaining adults in
higher education
Creation of an adult learning community on campus
Utilize trained student support staff who are experts in needs of adult students
Encourage faculty to create inclusive learning environments across the college
CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY
Key Question
Can PLA work for adult students who are unprepared for college
level work?
