the keys to unlocking prior learning transformation of umuc’s portfolio assessment “the...
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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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Keys to Unlocking Prior Learning
Transformation of UMUC’sPortfolio Assessment
“The Sequel”
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
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
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
Program Background
• Program eligibility – Degree Audit Team– Official evaluation– Grade point average– Writing requirement– Resident credits (3)/Transfer
credits (30)
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)
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).
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.
EXCL Credit AwardsHow 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.
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
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”
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.
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
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
