Prior learning is learning gained through life or work outside of structured higher educational courses. Many people learn through their experiences in life such as those in professional endeavors (business, the military, or other work/training experiences) or through other educational experiences (community volunteer work, family, travel, or personal study).

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process through which students identify areas of relevant learning from their past experiences, demonstrate that learning through appropriate documentation, and submit their materials so that they can be assessed and possibly awarded academic credit relative to specific course objectives at Wesleyan College.

The Council of Adult and Experiential Learning defines PLA as follows: "The recognition of learning gained from experiences that may be granted credit or otherwise certified… The assessment of learning attained through experiences irrespective of the time and place in which they occurred." (Assessing Learning, 2nd edition, By Morry Fiddler, Catherine Marienau, and Urban Whitaker p.12)

Students who believe they might be eligible for PLA should schedule an appointment with their academic advisor or the Registrar. Advisors will work with students to determine if their prior learning experiences meet the criteria to earn college credit.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Course Description

100: Prior Learning Assessment.

Goal: To introduce the techniques for the development of documentation for prior learning experiences based on standards and criteria established by academic and subject matter professionals. This process requires students to prepare and submit a collection of documents that establish and support their claim that they have specific relevant skills, knowledge, values, attitudes, understandings, achievements, experiences, competencies, training, and certifications that align with specific course objectives. The portfolio developed in the documentation course should not only describe the relevant experience but should also identify the particular learning outcomes.

Content: A critical self-assessment of what college-level learning has been acquired through selected non-traditional experience. This experience might include a variety of work, training, reading and research, civil and military service, or life learning.

Taught: Annually, every split term; Online

Prerequisites: Permission of advisor; satisfactory completion of college writing proficiency; minimum 5 years work experience in an applied knowledge area such as management, marketing, technology, finance, arts, communications, merchandising, public relations, etc.

Credit: 3 hours.