Workshop 1: ‘Key concepts, frameworks and the RPL process’

Workshop 1: ‘KEY CONCEPTS, FRAMEWORKS & THE RPL PROCESS’ Workshop 2: ‘SUPPORTING, BUILDING & ASSESSING THE RPL EVIDENCE’ Workshop 3: ‘RECRUITING AND COMMUNICATING’

Workshop 1 Objectives The SE Wales RPL Project The RPL Journey Terminology Accreditation Frameworks RPL Application Process

Workshop Outcomes At the end of this workshop you will be able to: Explain the aims of the SE Wales RPL Project Describe the RPL journey Identify and Understand RPL terminology Reference appropriate accreditation frameworks Understand the RPL application process

Background SE Wales HEIs ‘shared services’ development project [via the HEFCW Strategic Development Fund] Main Partners SE WALES CAPITAL NETWORK ‘Learning via Employment’ project

HEFCW ‘High Level learning’ [2009] project recommendations/audit Recommendations 1 – Creation of a ‘Reaching Higher at Work Forum’ 2 – Creation of a ‘Reaching Higher at Work Fund’ 3 – Creation of new FdA & compressed Hons degrees 4 – Development of a cross-Wales e-brokerage service to match demands with provision

‘Learning via Employment’ project Main Aim: “To seek to promote a significant growth in ‘non-traditional’ student numbers wanting to study at South East Wales universities in a part-time capacity via an improved and more co-ordinated provision of efficient and user-friendly routes towards HE qualification outcomes” Proposal document to HEFCW, p2, July 2013

Key Project Objectives Embedded Procedures Standardised Policies Costed & Marketed Modular – shorts Applied Research Terminology enhancement New – CQFW Level Matrix

Self assessment point With reference to the recognition of prior learning by universities and colleges please circle the position on the 5 point scale that reflects your understanding and experience of RPL: Much understanding Little understanding Much experience Little experience

The RPL Tree- Which one are you?

Task 1: What is RPL?

It is the process of recognising learning that has its source in experience. This can be previous formal learning Certificated Learning (CL) or non formal and informal learning Experiential Learning (EL). It can be For Entry or For Exemption

1.CL Certificated Learning -TRADITIONAL Recognition of Prior Learning SCHOOLUNIVERSITYWORK

2. EL Experiential Learning – Informal & Non-Formal SCHOOL WORK 1 UNIVERSITY WORK 2 WORK 3 Recognition of Prior Learning

Identify some examples of evidence that you could use to take the EL route onto PG Cert for Teaching in HE… InformalNon-Formal Not structured or documented, does not lead to any certification or accreditation Is structured and linked to learning outcomes and skills but without any qualification Task 2:

What’s the difference between RPL for: Entry Exemption Task 3:

Entry and Exemption? Entry onto a courseExemption - Advanced Standing (CL) Exemption - Experiential Learning (EL) Don’t have prerequisites but have experience and evidence to demonstrate they are capable of entering and benefiting from a HE programme. Is the granting of part exemption from a programme of study because they have already gained an award from another Institution. Is the granting of exemption with credit from a module/s or level of study because they have successfully demonstrated they have already acquired the knowledge and learning outcomes of that module/s or level of study.

Terminology? Task 4:

Credit Frameworks CQFW Credit and Qualifications Framework Wales QCF Qualifications & Credit Framework SCQF Scottish Credit & Qualifications Framework NICATS Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System ECF European Credit Framework

THE CQFW

The Nova Scotia RPL Model Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Academic and Professional Credential Assessment Recognition by one academic or professional body of qualification awarded by a different body Foreign Credential Recognition Credit Transfer Awarding by one education training institution of credits or advanced standing for credits achieved in another institution Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) Evaluation and recognition of non- formal, informal and/or experiential learning (Can result in academic credits/credentials) Competency Assessment Learning Outcomes Assessment Portfolio Learning Graphic by Morrissey, M, et al. AQP Report, Executive Summary (October 2008 Page 3)

Stages of a RPL Claim 1 EL / CL Application 2 EL Advice and Guidance (Meet with the Applicant) 3 EL Submission of claim (Support Applicant) 4 EL & CL Assessment of Evidence 5 EL & CL Decision making & Feedback (Notify applicant)

Experiential learning for Entry Expression of interest Explain RPL process (extended c.v., job description) Apply for entry onto the course (University application) Assessment of the evidence (possible interview) Notification (applicant & E&A)

RPL for Exemption (CL & EL) Expression of interest (Explain RPL process) Apply for entry onto a course (University application) RPL application and submission (Enrolment required) Assessment of the evidence Notification and award of credit

RPL Process -Expression of interest Applicant Communicates an Expression of Interest (Extended c.v. job description/s) Course Leader + Module Leader/s Decide whether there is a possible RPL claim Course Leader Experiential L earning - Appoint a RPL Adviser to support process Certificated Learning - provide them with the RPL application form Course Leader Feedback to Applicant in writing explaining why RPL application not suitable Yes No

RPL Applications Applicant RPL Advisor Contact Learner to arrange meeting to advise on preparation of evidence 2 Reflect on Prior Learning (Relevant, Current & Sufficient ) 4 Review application against module / level learning outcomes 1 Review academic / professional needs (Module / Level Learning Outcomes) 3 Discuss /Suggest Appropriate types of evidence at correct level (Sufficient & Current)

Submission of claim Course Leader (CL) Receives RPL claim Applicant Submission of RPL claim (Complete RPL Form)

Assessment of Evidence Yes CL & EL claim awarded No CL & EL claim not awarded (Assessor to provide feedback identifying shortfalls) Assess RPL Evidence Portfolio against (Learning Outcomes / course content) Course Leader (CL) + Module Leader/s (Double marking) Decide whether there is a CL / EL claim

Decision making & feedback Applicant informed by RPL adviser of decision in writing and informed of additional credit requirement Course Leader Yes RPL claim awarded Institutional Admin Update Student Records RPL form completed signed and sent to Student Administration Manager/ Officers

RPL Advisor to contact applicant to: Explain decision Review material Consider resubmission Offer Academic Guidance PD/ CL No RPL claim not awarded Applicant informed of decision in writing Decision making & feedback

RPL Limits within your institution AwardTransferred credit /APEL (maximum) University of South Wales taught credit (minimum)Total credits required for award CertHE6060 at level 4120 DipHE with a minimum of 100 at level 5240 Bachelors degree24060 at level 6300 Bachelors degree with honours with a minimum of 100 at level 6360 BMus (RWCMD only) at level 6480 HNC6060 at level 4120 HND with a minimum of 100 at level 5240 Foundation Degree with a minimum of 100 at level 5240 PcET6060 level 5120 Integrated masters with a minimum of 100 at level 6 and 120 at level 7480 PgCert2040 at level 760 PgDip6060 at level 7120 Masters12060 at level 7180 Taught doctoral awards (University of South Wales RPL limits 2014)

USW - Academic Regulations Section A USW - Accredited Prior Learning Guidance USW- Advisory Document on Assessment Design Institutional frameworks and guidance?

With reference to the recognition of prior learning by universities and colleges please circle the position on the 5 point scale that reflects your understanding and experience of RPL now: Self assessment point 2 Much understanding Little understanding Much experience Little experience

Areas covered: The SE Wales RPL Project The RPL Journey Terminology Accreditation Frameworks RPL Application Process Plenary Next steps: Supporting, Building and Assessing the evidence (Workshop 2) Recruiting and Communication (Workshop 3)

Any Questions? SUPPORT

1.1 Self Assessment 1.11 RPL Jelly baby Tree 1.2 Oxford Brookes Pg. Certificate for Teaching in HE – Use to consolidate Certificated Learning 1:3 Terminology Matching Exercise (PPT) CQFW Introduction Handout 1:4 Cork Institute Handout 1.5 Flowchart of RPL Process 1.6 RPL Form * 1.7 RPL Limits Hand-outs