| PLAR Frequently Asked Questions |
| How does PLAR work?
Prior learning can be demonstrated through a challenge or portfolio process. The process is determined through consultation with Cambrian College’s PLAR Facilitator, and the appropriate Program Coordinator, Dean, and/or faculty. Using course-based learning outcomes, you can compare them to your learning achievements through a formal process.
Challenge process can be oral or written, performance activities observed or products developed.
Portfolio process includes the organized collection of materials that you develop that records prior learning achievements and relates them to the learning outcomes of the college courses being challenged. |
| Why should I consider PLAR?
The assessment process provides you with a comprehensive appraisal of your knowledge and skills and a base from which to plan future educational goals.
- PLAR is a means for you to gain a realistic understanding of your level of competence and personal strengths.
- PLAR often promotes self-esteem and increases motivation to complete a program of study.
- PLAR, which yields college credits, may enable you to obtain a credential in less time and with less cost.
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| How do I demonstrate my prior learning?
Prior learning can be demonstrated through a challenge process or portfolio process.
The CHALLENGE PROCESS has been developed to measure your prior learning achievements against the specific learning outcomes of an individual course. This process measures demonstrated learning through a variety of evaluation methods or challenge activities designed by subject-expert faculty and include, for example:
- tests, both written and oral.
- performance activities observed and evaluated by the assessor, including presentations, demonstrations, on-site observations, etc.
- product development specifically assigned by the assessor, including case studies, reports, programs, etc.
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| When would the challenge process be used instead of portfolio-based PLAR?
In most cases, challenge activities are used in situations where a portfolio would not be appropriate or even possible. For example, challenge activities are commonly used for courses that are predominantly theory-based. Also, challenge activities may be the only method of assessment and evaluation in those situations where you do not have the required supportive documentation for a complete learning portfolio.
The PORTFOLIO PROCESS has been developed to assist you in the assembly of a learning portfolio that is used as part of the assessment and recognition of your “non-classroom” learning experiences. A learning portfolio is an organized collection of materials developed by you that records prior learning achievements and relates them to the learning outcomes of college courses. It describes relevant experience, identifies and analyzes learning achievements, and provides validation or proof through a collection of documents. What you include in your portfolio depends on the particular requirements of the subject area as outlined by the faculty involved.
A copy of the document “How to Assemble a Learning Portfolio for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition” is available from the PLAR Facilitator. |
| Who will evaluate my learning?
Subject-expert faculty in the College who have had recent experience in teaching the relevant course(s) will evaluate the prior learning. You will be expected to demonstrate learning that is equivalent to the basic learning outcomes required to pass the course. |
| Is there a fee for PLAR?
You will be charged a fee for each PLAR course assessment. The fees charged are in accordance with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities directive.
Please contact the PLAR Facilitator to confirm the current fees. |
| Will the college assist me in preparing for PLAR?
The PLAR Facilitator and appropriate Program Coordinator will assist you in obtaining current course outlines, book lists and other information, so that you can prepare for a challenge test or create your portfolio. |
| How will PLAR credits be documented?
Once the PLAR credits have been achieved, the Registrar will record the credits on an official transcript of which you receive a copy. When you become enrolled in a college program, all of your previously earned credits, including PLAR credits, will be applied as appropriate to your current program of study. Credits or grades awarded through PLAR will be transcribed in the same way in which credits are normally transcribed in each course, without any indication that credits have been acquired through PLAR. College transcripts will not record unsuccessful PLAR attempts as “failures.” |
| If you pay the fee, what guarantees do you have of obtaining PLAR credits?
There are no guarantees that you will obtain credit through PLAR, just as there are no guarantees that you will obtain credit through taking a college course. However, the PLAR Facilitator and appropriate Program Coordinators will assist you in pre-determining your chances of success. It is important that you weigh the benefits against the risks. There are many personal benefits to be achieved through the PLAR process. Tangible benefits could range from the acquisition of one college credit to the acquisition of 75% of credits required for a credential. Less tangible benefits such as increased academic knowledge and skills, promotion of self-esteem and self-discovery, consolidation of career pathways and other personal achievements often result from the PLAR process. |
| As a student with a disability, can I receive accommodations?
Yes, students with a documented disability can receive accommodations once the documentation has been verified and accommodations determined by a Disability Advisor in the Glenn Crombie Centre for Disability Services. You should make an appointment to see an Advisor well in advance of your application for PLAR should you require an accommodation. Please contact the Glenn Crombie Centre at ext.7420. |