Hi timfisher7,
As it turns out, many universities do offer credit for life experience
or job training.
Different countries and schools have different names for their
program. In Canada, for example, the term is Prior Learning Assessment
(PLA).
See this search result for examples:
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=+%22Prior+Learning+Assessment+
Some schools in the US use that term as well. Others use Learning
Experience Assessment Program (LEAP). You usually must qualify for the
LEAP or PLA program by presenting a portfolio of your life
experiences.
" Prior Learning Assessment
Prior learning assessment is a method that colleges and universities
use to evaluate the knowledge a student has gained through life
experience. Prior learning assessment enables college instructors to
evaluate life experiences as potentially equivalent to courses taught
at the college level. There are three common ways in which prior
learning can be assessed: through prior learning portfolios,
standardized tests, and departmental credit. Before choosing any of
the following options, students should check to see which one their
college or university might accept…."
INDIANA COLLEGE NETWORK
http://www.icn.org/studentservices/lifeexp.html
To help you along, some school offer workshops in portfolio
preparation. For example:
" The opportunity to earn college credit for what has been learned
through life, work, and special interest experiences is provided
through the program for Portfolio Assessment. While enrolled in the
Portfolio Process course, LEAP 289, students are required to prepare a
formal, written narrative of professional quality, of these
experiences by following the guidelines set forth in the Portfolio
Process Manual. He/she will specify what knowledge, skills, and
attitudes have been learned from these experiences and will document
the college equivalent course learning outcomes resulting from these
experiences…."
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
http://distance.msun.edu/leap.htm
Below are some other examples. Your best bet would be to check the
universities and majors that interest you and see if they offer
anything similar to what these schools offer --
--------------
Prior Learning Assessment for Life and Work Experience
Cambrian College recognizes that, as an adult learner, you may have
gained valuable knowledge and skills in the workplace and through a
variety of life experiences. Through the Prior Learning Assessment
(PLA) Program, you may be able to acquire college credits for your
experiential learning, enabling you to receive a diploma or
certificate in less time and with less cost
CAMBRIAN COLLEGE
http://homepages.cambrianc.on.ca/international/admission.htm
--------------
Life Experience = College Credits, The LLEAP Program
Distance Learning attracts the mature students, more of whom benefit
by the opportunities provided through the LLEAP (Life Learning
Experience Assessment Program). This program can offer flexible
options for earning college credits.
BUCKS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
http://www.bucks.edu/distance/lleap.htm
---------------
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
The College recognizes certain types of life or work experiences on
the part of the mature student as translatable into college credit.
MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE
http://marymount.mmm.edu/explearn.htm
--------------------
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The Business Administration Department is committed to the recognition
of prior learning. Prior learning assessment (PLA) recognizes
demonstrated learning for credits which have been acquired through
life or work experiences.
CAPILANO COLLEGE
http://www.capcollege.bc.ca/dept/badm/index.html
-------------------
Hope that helps you out … thanks for your question.
-K~
search terms
"mature student" college credits life
"Prior Learning Assessment
Life Learning Experience Assessment Program |
