This article analyses the development and implementation of policies that aim at improving the 'recognition of prior learning' (RPL) in the vocational education and training (VET) systems of Sweden and Switzerland. It argues that the evolution of RPL policies and schemes needs to be analysed in relation to educational expansion, which creates…

This article contributes to a better theoretical understanding of the social processes underlying the development and implementation of schemes to improve the recognition of prior learning (RPL) in vocational education and training (VET). It traces the global diffusion of RPL, and then analyses the formulation of RPL policies and design and…

The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced many people to flee their home and seek protection in neighbouring European countries, amongst them a large proportion of children and young people. Higher education systems in the receiving countries now have a responsibility to support young people to continue their studies, and to provide them with quality…

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) refers to the various processes for recognizing and awarding credit for college-level learning gained outside the classroom. In December 2021, Advance CTE and Education Strategy Group convened the Credit for Prior Learning Shared Solutions Workgroup, whose members represented state postsecondary education agencies…

Validation of non-formal and informal learning has been gaining political momentum in Europe within the implementation of lifelong learning policies since the early 2000s. Policy documents claim a variety of education, socio-political and economic benefits from the implementation of validation, making validation a "hero" for lifelong…

'Recognition of prior learning' (RPL) has developed into an important instrument to support the permeability of education and training systems. Based on an extensive review of documents, this article analyses the global diffusion of RPL in vocational education and training systems (VET), with a specific focus on its diffusion through development…

The UK's HE system is mired in public debate around 'grade inflation', and there is substantial pressure to address the perceived devaluation of degrees through blunt policy measures such as modifying classification algorithms. Policy-makers should be aware of the impact of their actions upon students' learning; this article frames some of the…

This systematic review is built on the seminal work by the New London Group in 1996. Few endeavours have synthesized findings of empirical studies pertaining to the effects and challenges of multiliteracies practices in various schooling and geographical contexts. Through a five-point Likert scale and a deductive and inductive thematic analysis,…

In 2016, there were 4.9 million students identified as English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. public schools who undergo testing. Students identified as ELLs are allowed to use paperback bilingual dictionaries during testing as an accommodation. When deciding whether to provide the accommodation, teachers need to consider several factors. First,…

This brief is part of a broad landscape analysis focused on policy and practice issues related to the recognition of prior learning. The landscape analysis focuses on issues arising in the practice of the recognition of prior learning, policies that encourage or limit its adoption, and key research needs and future directions for the field. This…

In this report we walk through a systematic review of how PLA [prior learning assessment] was implemented under the ideal circumstances provided by the TAACCCT [Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training] grant program. We found that there was positive policy development, but student use of PLA opportunities remained low. In…

Human history has been shaped by people moving to live in new places. The numbers of people living outside their countries of birth in today's societies are, however, much higher than in the past. In the European Union (EU) Member States, the number of people with citizenship of a non-member country on 1 January 2017 was 21.6 million, and there…

The adoption of a national qualifications framework (NQF) by some governments in all world regions has shown some success in the area of formal learning. However, while NQFs continue to enhance "formal" learning in many countries, the same cannot be said for the recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) of "non-formal"…

Validation of prior learning (VPL), also referred to as recognition, validation and accreditation of prior learning (RVA), is becoming an increasingly important political issue at both European and international levels. In 2012, the European Council, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation…

In the broad area of moral philosophy, critiques of well-being values have notably increased since the 1980's. Often underpinning analysis are contrasting theories of well-being, e.g. subjective constructs that value highly reflections on personal experiences and individual fulfillment, and objective theories that emphasise more through specific…