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Turning experience into academic learning. The APL and APEL credit systems
Professional Nurse (London, England)
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Academic credit can be earned for prior learning through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) processes. These methods value practitioner experience and emphasize reflection for successful claims.
Area of Science:
- Adult Education
- Professional Development
- Higher Education Studies
Background:
- Prior learning, encompassing both formal and experiential knowledge, is increasingly recognized as a valuable asset in academic and professional contexts.
- Traditional educational pathways may not adequately capture the learning acquired through practical experience.
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) offer frameworks for recognizing this non-traditional learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms and benefits of converting practical experience into academic credit.
- To highlight the significance of reflective practice in the APEL process.
- To present a structured accreditation model for awarding credit based on prior learning.
Main Methods:
- The study examines the principles underpinning APL and APEL processes.
- It emphasizes the crucial role of reflective practice in articulating experiential learning.
- A five-stage accreditation model is proposed for the systematic award of credit.
Main Results:
- Experiential learning can be formally recognized and translated into academic credit.
- The APEL process empowers practitioners by validating their acquired skills and knowledge.
- A structured, multi-stage accreditation model facilitates the fair assessment of prior learning.
Conclusions:
- APL and APEL are effective strategies for acknowledging and credentialing learning gained outside formal education.
- Reflection is a key component that enables practitioners to articulate their experiential learning for accreditation.
- The proposed accreditation model provides a clear pathway for awarding academic credit for prior learning, fostering lifelong learning and professional growth.