Policy Consequences from the Retention of Learning October 26, 2003 Prepared for the Retention of Learning Virtual Conference Dr. Jane Arscott Human Services’ Program Coordinator Athabasca University

Introduction Effective Practices’ Study has demonstrated a strong retention of learning after graduation Effective Practices’ Study has demonstrated a strong retention of learning after graduation From this finding what policy consequences follow for learners’ future education? From this finding what policy consequences follow for learners’ future education?

Consequences (5) 1. No need to stale-date credentials 2.Articulate Block Credit Transfer 3.Use Course-by-Course Transfer 4. Make Prior Learning Assessment Possible 5.Produce a Seamless Learning System for Adult Learners

1. No stale-dating of credentials When students learn they can recall what they learned later, or they can self-assess and/or remediate when necessary When students learn they can recall what they learned later, or they can self-assess and/or remediate when necessary It is inappropriate to conclude that learners need to be directed to relearn content by repeating content because doing so It is inappropriate to conclude that learners need to be directed to relearn content by repeating content because doing so 1. Devalues prior learning 2. Different learning styles means no one-size fits all

2.Block Credit Transfer Enables students to build on their earlier education and training Enables students to build on their earlier education and training Reduces redundancy Reduces redundancy Cost effective Cost effective Saves time Saves time Seamless transfer to advanced educational opportunities Seamless transfer to advanced educational opportunities Recognizes learning Recognizes learning

3.Course-by-Course Transfer Acknowledges learning that has occurred at various institutions Acknowledges learning that has occurred at various institutions Bundles learning to move the learner forward toward their educational goals Bundles learning to move the learner forward toward their educational goals Cost effective Cost effective Saves learners’ time Saves learners’ time Increases coherence of the post-secondary education system Increases coherence of the post-secondary education system

4.Prior Learning Assessment Awards credit for the application, transfer and upgrading of learning across diverse settings and experiences Awards credit for the application, transfer and upgrading of learning across diverse settings and experiences Values learners’ capacity to integrate and transform knowledge acquired earlier Values learners’ capacity to integrate and transform knowledge acquired earlier Individualized application Individualized application Specific learning outcomes demonstrated in various ways Specific learning outcomes demonstrated in various ways Produces a verified record of learning Produces a verified record of learning

5. A Seamless Learning System for Adult Learners Learner-centred Learner-centred Individualized program planning Individualized program planning Enhanced learner motivation Enhanced learner motivation Faster Achievement of Educational Goals Faster Achievement of Educational Goals Lowers cost to individuals as well as to the system Lowers cost to individuals as well as to the system Increases the qualification of the adult workforce Increases the qualification of the adult workforce

Conclusion The retention of learning supports policy innovations that enable adult learners to advance their education in various ways (block transfer, course transfer and PLAR). Doing so is an effective and economical strategy because it Benefits individual learners, the labour market and the education system Benefits individual learners, the labour market and the education system Produces a more highly educated and valuable adult workforce. Produces a more highly educated and valuable adult workforce.