Academic validation of prior and experiential learning: evaluation of the process

This report is a summary of an AP(E)L evaluative research project conducted at the University of Southampton School of Nursing and Midwifery. The project aimed to shed light on the perceptions of candidates and teachers in conjunction with the effectiveness of the accreditation process. Through initial semi-structured interviews with teachers (n = 6) and candidates (n = 6) offering their perceptions and experiences, an emergent questionnaire was sent to the remaining active accreditation candidates (n = 60, response n = 39) and advisers/assessors (n = 36), response n = 32). The effectiveness of candidate preparation for beginning an accreditation claim, the comprehensiveness of the types of credit available to capture learning through experience, the styles of advising and feedback from assessment are all reported on. Interestingly, the data highlight how preparing an accreditation claim can affect both adviser and candidate, in terms of being more self-critical and reflective in their areas of practice.