Training & Events

From the Ground Up: Building the Foundations of a CPL Program

All the questions you have about credit for prior learning but were afraid to ask! The workshop begins by laying a foundation by exploring the different opportunities students have to demonstrate their knowledge and learning, and the impact CPL has on organizational practices and student success. An interactive discussion about best practices in implementing an effective CPL program within your institution will follow. Participants engage in case studies that examine principles of organizational change and how a CPL program becomes integral to student learning and success. Using sample documents, scenarios, and institutional examples, participants work collaboratively to create an action plan and design processes for introducing or expanding CPL options to gain support from key campus constituencies. As a result, participants will be able to build an action plan for executing a credit for prior learning program on their own campuses.

Assessing Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is of increasing interest to institutions seeking ways to attract and retain the growing audience of adult learners. This workshop provides an overview of all forms of institutional-based prior learning assessment and discusses approaches to awarding college credit for learning that occurs from previous life/work experiences — in lieu of taking certain courses. Emphasis is placed on the four primary types of institutional-based 'challenge' assessments: written exams, written portfolios, skills demonstrations, oral interviews, and discussion on how to build combination-style assessments. Participants compare the four types of institutional assessments and recognize the value and challenges of each. This asynchronous course  provides an opportunity to review and analyze sample portfolios, assessment rubrics, and writing exam questions. Participants leave the workshop with the rationale and tools to assist their institutions in customizing an approach to CPL that meets the needs of their students. Topics covered include:

• CPL Principles of good practice in action
• The differences between assessing portfolios and classroom assignments
• Recognizing multiple pathways to achieving course learning outcomes
• Providing clear and supportive feedback to students