People learn in many different ways and in many different places. What is learned informally or experientially is often the same or similar to what may be learned in traditional formal learning environments. There are many reasons why recognizing experiential learning is viable educational option, more so in today's economy than ever before. Prior…

Advice is given to the individual college about three main kinds of variables to take into account in analyzing all the economic effects of programs for awarding credit to students in recognition of prior learning: process variables, student variables, and institutional variables. (Author/MSE)

The composite-portfolio approach, combining all major systems of assessing prior learning of adults for degree credits, is described as exemplified by methods of Empire State College of the State University of New York. Illustrations include evaluation statements, outline of an actual degree program, and an evaluation policy statement. (MSC)

Following a literature review, this article analyzes the financial impact of credits for experiential learning on a major midwestern university. Both students and the institution appear to have benefited economically. Questions are raised concerning who should benefit from publicly supported education--students, society, or all three. Includes 28…

As student populations change, so do the students who volunteer for cocurricular activities. The challenges for campus activities organizers include recruiting older students and providing adequate rewards for volunteering. Students can be attracted by emphasizing the job-related aspects of volunteer jobs or offering course credit. (MSE)

Colleges and universities have responded to the need of adults to possess academic credentials by designing programs flexible enough to fit any situation. Portfolio assessment, independent study, credit-by-exam, and credit for prior learning are among the ways people earn degrees. Some women's experiences and sources for study cited. (MLW)

This report contains suggestions on how adults can secure college credit for past education and life experience. According to the report, there are eight categories of life experience that can be worth credit: work; homemaking; volunteer work; noncredit learning; travel; recreational activities and hobbies; reading, viewing, and listening; and…

Five contributors identify essential means for the college to assure high standards, quality control, and consistency in assessing the prior learning of adults. Types of learning include work or military experience and life experience; assessment methods include examination, portfolio examination, and competence-based programs. (Author/MSE)

Evaluation of prior learning for college credit towards a general studies degree is discussed in this handbook for faculty evaluators. It is suggested that the major responsibility of the evaluator is to determine if prior learning is college level and how many credits should be awarded. Credit toward the general studies degree is awarded only for…

The Women's Management Development Project (WMDP)--initiated at Goucher College in 1977 to provide job reentry opportunities at the professional or management level to college-educated women in the Baltimore, Maryland, area--is described. The program involves a 6-month course of cognitive and experiential training, combined with individual and…

This document contains three articles on teaching the growing population of nontraditional students. "The Changing Demographics of the Classroom" defines "nontraditional students"; reviews the characteristics, risk factors, and special needs of nontraditional students; and identifies the following services as particularly important to…

This book, which is intended for academics, educators, educational managers, and policymakers concerned with higher education, examines how universities and colleges can prepare their students for lifelong learning through continuing education, specialized courses for adults, and mainstream teaching programs geared toward traditional students. The…