In work-based learning (WBL), autodidactic, informal, nonformal, and formal approaches to learning are viewed not as dichotomous, distinct, or divergent spheres along a continuum but as intersected and clustered spheres. In WBL, prior learning, professional development, advanced standing, and other forms of learning are therefore formally…

Within the next few years the majority of jobs in the U.S. will require some type of postsecondary credential. However, less than half of adults in this country currently possess a credential beyond high school. Though they may not have a college degree to show for it, most adults have likely gained significant and valuable learning through their…

The article focuses on the transfer of knowledge learnt by students in the classroom to their experiential learning contexts. It is argued that transfer is not a simple process of application but rather one of recontextualisation of previously learnt knowledge. In order for students to perform this recontextualisation, some form of reflection on…

This article recognises the well-established processes available to educators for the validation of competence, however acquired, and suggests that these mechanisms could be deployed more frequently in future. This proposition is based on employers' adoption of work-based learning strategies that focus on learning outcomes rather than on…

This article considers the nature of experiential learning and its relationship with other forms of learning that gain their authority through assessment. It argues that experiential learning is grounded in, and stands upon, the notion of phronesis and is the goal of an educated populace. This argument, should it prevail, would see wisdom as the…

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is now an established but relatively under used process in higher education (HE). In our review article, we argue that this is because APEL not only challenges the traditional university monopoly of knowledge but also challenges other established processes and social constructions. Work-Based…

This framework for learning development in higher education stresses three types of skills--threshold, key, and transferable--and a variety of forms for assessing prior (experiential) learning [AP(E)L]. The function of assessment is both to credit prior learning and diagnose individual learning needs. (SK)

A new integrative learning model has been designed to help corporate educators facilitate employee learning transfer and on-the-job performance. The model's components are as follows: (1) access new information, ideas, experiences, and/or perspectives; (2) identify relevance and value based on integrated life experience and wisdom; (3) engage in…

Discusses bridging the gap between work and education through the establishment of programs to assess, evaluate, and certify experiential acquired learning. Covers two ways of viewing assessment: (1) separating inputs from outcomes; and (2) the portfolio process, which involves students writing descriptions of their learning as evidence. (JS)

Describes two Educational Testing Service projects conducted to identify skills that women acquire through life experiences which are helpful to success in occupations and vocational programs, and to develop materials for experience-job linkages: Project ACCESS (Assessing Competencies Concerned with Employment and School Success) and Project HAVE…

Students can markedly enhance their learning if they are prepared to take initiative in choosing learning goals and methods. They do so best if encouraged to be self-directing and acquire the skills for clarifying goals, finding resources, selecting learning tasks, and appraising progress as they go. (Author/MLW)

A step-by-step guide for seeking college credit for prior learning is presented in this Indiana University (IU) student handbook. The External Degree Program in General Studies at Indiana University at South Bend awards college credit toward the Associate and/or Bachelors of General Studies degree for knowledge and understanding gained through…

Labor unions and academic institutions are joining forces to reach the large population of working adults who have been left out of the mainstream of higher education. Some educational methods are described and ways to finance continuing programs are suggested. (Author/MLW)

This project investigated the acceptance of innovation and change as it related to a specific education change of prior learning assessment (PLA) at the University College of the Fraser Valley (UCFV) in British Columbia, Canada. The study explored the barriers that existed against students who wanted to have experiential and workplace learning…

Three presentations are provided from Symposium 39, Integrating Learning with Working, of the Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD) 2000 Conference Proceedings. "Constructing Knowledge in Continuing Professional Education [CPE]" (Barbara J. Daley, Merryl Carlsson) reports an analysis of the interrelationships between professional…