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The Keys to Unlocking Prior Learning Transformation of UMUC’s Portfolio Assessment “The Sequel”

The Keys to Unlocking Prior Learning Transformation of UMUC’s Portfolio Assessment “The Sequel”. Presenters. Shawna Acker-Ball, PhD Director, Experiential Learning University of Maryland University College Cheryl Horton, MS Ed

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The Keys to Unlocking Prior Learning Transformation of UMUC’s Portfolio Assessment “The Sequel”

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  1. The Keys to Unlocking Prior Learning Transformation of UMUC’s Portfolio Assessment “The Sequel”

  2. Presenters • Shawna Acker-Ball, PhD • Director, Experiential Learning University of Maryland University College • Cheryl Horton, MS Ed • Associate Director, Experiential Learning University of Maryland University College

  3. Why Prior Learning Assessment? • UMUC’s mission and student population • Open admission university • Non-traditional learners • Adult learners bring a wealth of prior learning experiences to the classroom • Prior learning assessment values students’ knowledge

  4. Overview of PLA Program • UMUC and Prior Learning Assessment • Program was established in 1978. • All student portfolios were submitted in hard copy binders and mailed to each evaluators. • CD’s and web based platform are now used. • Strictly web based beginning Spring 2012

  5. Program Background • Program eligibility • Degree Audit Team • Official evaluation • Grade point average • Writing requirement • Resident credits (3)/Transfer credits (30)

  6. EXCL 301-Learning Analysis and Planning • The three (3) credit course guides students through exercises toward the preparation of a written portfolio that describes and documents their college-level learning. • Eight (8) weeks in duration/online and face to face • Satisfactory/D/Fail - grading method • If student receives the grade of “D” for the course, the portfolio is not moved forward for evaluation. • Students who pass the course with an “S” or “D” are not permitted to re-take EXCL 301 • Up to 30 credits can be earned (15 for second bachelor’s degree)

  7. Evaluation Process • Faculty evaluation • All faculty evaluators are approved by respective academic directors. • All faculty evaluators are provided Evaluator Guidelines and PLA resources. • All credit recommendations from evaluators are reviewed and approved by UMUC’s Degree Audit Team (DAT).

  8. Evaluation Process • Evaluators make credit recommendations based on the learning outcomes and supporting documentation. • Credit is granted for verifiable college-level learning from one’s experiences, but not for the experiences themselves.

  9. EXCL Credit Awards How many credits are students guaranteed to earn? • Successful completion of EXCL 301 will earn three credits for the course. • There is no guarantee that students will receive credit from the evaluation of their portfolio. • The average credit award is between 15 and 18 credits. • Assessment fees are applied. • PLA tuition is offered at a reduced cost.

  10. Transformation • Curriculum redesign • EXCL 301 underwent review – 18 month project • Changes to the program mission and outcomes • Change from course objectives to learning outcomes • Creation of common assignments across all sections • Changed course duration from 15 weeks to 8 weeks beginning fall 2011 • Process • Established concepts and skills and issues related to the program • Feedback loop is ongoing

  11. Shift in Paradigm • Establish prior learning culture • Faculty teaching method – shortened timeframe • Encourage increased faculty interaction with online courses • Encourage increased student engagement – “hit the ground running”

  12. Shift in Paradigm • OEL department review of all portfolio evaluations from faculty. • Ensure portfolio evaluations adhere to department standards. • Required participation in faculty/evaluator Wimba workshops.

  13. And More Assessment • Academic Program Review • Deeper look at all systems and processes • No textbook • All resources/templates embedded in the course • Inclusion of writing advisors in each course section • Alternative assessment strategies (interview, simulations, etc.) • Quantitative evaluation rubrics – Spring 2012 • Redesign of Evaluator Manual – Spring 2012

  14. Changes to Come • Competency Based Education • Portfolio/Course Challenge expansion • Messaging to students at admission • Messaging to target populations for each program • UMUC-wide support • Office of Enrollment Management • All academic units • Anticipated increase in student participation

  15. Questions and Answers Shawna Acker-Ball sacker-ball@umuc.edu Cheryl Horton chorton@umuc.edu Telephone (240) 684-2890

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