Prior Learning Assessment: Using Experience for Credit

2 2 minutes read

Prior Learning Assessment: Using Experience for Credit

By Marsha Metzer, M.A., MBA
Senior Project Coordinator and PLA Faculty Member

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) might be helpful for many non-traditional college students who discover going again to school daunting. The Prior Learning Assessment program permits college students to realize tutorial credit score for abilities and information they’ve constructed by way of work, navy coaching, volunteering, and even hobbies. Rather than making college students repeat programs on data they already know, PLA provides a solution to translate real-world expertise into faculty credit.

How Does the Prior Learning Assessment Program Work?

With PLA, the University supplies alternatives for college students to exhibit their college-level studying. Typically, a PLA pupil creates a portfolio to exhibit a mastery after all goals. For instance, college students with 20 years of administration expertise might develop a portfolio displaying that their abilities meet the training objectives for an undergraduate or graduate enterprise management course.

PLA professionals and material specialists then assessment the portfolio and assess whether or not to award tutorial credit for a pupil’s work. Students obtain tutorial credit on their transcript for the information they’ve demonstrated, permitting them to graduate sooner and lower your expenses on tuition.

The Prior Learning Assessment program provides grownup learners an accessible means into larger schooling. It is especially helpful for college students who’ve work, household obligations and different obligations.

The Benefits of the Prior Learning Assessment Program Are Clear

In addition to saving money and time, PLA advantages college students in different methods, too. By validating their hands-on studying, the Prior Learning Assessment program builds their confidence and reinforces that they’ve helpful enterprise abilities. Furthermore, studies show PLA students have equal or better college outcomes than those without credit for prior learning.

With the Prior Learning Assessment program, the information gained from years of labor and life expertise doesn’t go unrecognized. It supplies a bridge between sensible know-how and tutorial accomplishment.

How to Learn More concerning the University’s PLA Program

PLA provides a robust solution to progress in direction of a level whereas balancing your real-world calls for. Before you enroll, take inventory of all of the information you’ve gained from jobs, navy service, hobbies, and volunteer work, and determine areas the place you have already got superior abilities and information.

After this self-assessment, you possibly can pursue Prior Learning Assessment tutorial credit score and get probably the most out of your academic journey. For extra data, go to our Prior Learning Assessment web page or electronic mail PLA@apus.edu.

About the Author

Marsha Metzer is a multifaceted skilled with expertise in schooling, psychology, enterprise, ministry, and training. As a senior undertaking coordinator and Prior Learning Assessment college member on the University, she helps grownup learners obtain their tutorial objectives. Marsha additionally serves as a life coach and chaplain, offering steering and non secular help to others.

Marsha holds a Regents Bachelor of Arts (RBA) diploma with a focus in elementary schooling from Shepherd University, in addition to a Master of Arts in psychology and a graduate certificates in life teaching from American Military University. Her academic background additionally contains an MBA from American Public University and a certificates in chaplaincy.

Known for her ministry management, volunteering, mission journeys, and worship singing, Marsha is devoted to service and bringing out one of the best in individuals. At her core, she is family-oriented and dedicated to empowering people to thrive.

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