Colleges are now granting academic credits for life experiences to attract students and accommodate diverse backgrounds.
News Article: Recognising Prior Learning: A New Approach to Higher Education
In a bid to make higher education more accessible and affordable, colleges and universities across the United States are implementing changes to award credit for prior learning experiences. This shift recognises the knowledge and skills gained outside traditional classrooms and converts them into college credits, providing numerous benefits.
One such initiative is the College in High School Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. This program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn transferable 3-credit college courses by participating in education-related classes and experiences. By fulfilling college prerequisites early, obtaining university transcripts, showcasing academic abilities to universities, and gaining hands-on career exposure, students can increase their scholarship eligibility and prepare for future careers [1].
Nationwide, many colleges recognise prior learning for adult or transfer students through portfolio assessments or transfer credit evaluation. For instance, DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management offers portfolio assessments allowing students to earn credits for prior work or learning, supporting adult learners in advancing their degrees efficiently [4]. Career and technical education pathways in high schools, including industry certifications, internships, and capstone projects, also translate to credits and improve college readiness and job prospects, particularly for underrepresented and low-income students [2].
The benefits to students are manifold. Accelerated degree completion by applying existing knowledge towards credit requirements, reduced tuition costs and lowering student debt by decreasing required credit hours, enhanced college accessibility for adult learners and those with work or military experience, greater engagement and motivation through recognition of practical and career-oriented learning, and improved preparedness for careers and higher likelihood of job placement and economic security are just a few [1][2][4].
These credit-for-prior-learning initiatives aim to make higher education more flexible, affordable, and aligned with workforce needs, ultimately supporting equitable access and student success [1][2][4]. Nearly half of institutions surveyed last year by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) have added more ways for students to receive credit for prior learning [3].
However, it's essential to note that many students, especially low-income learners, do not even try to apply for credit for prior learning [3]. Colleges and universities have historically made the process of earning credit for prior learning complex, slow, and expensive, with only about 1 in 10 students actually completing it [5].
The growth of certifications from professional organisations and the use of artificial intelligence is making it easier to evaluate how skills that someone learns in life equate to academic courses or programs [6]. For example, carpenters who have completed apprenticeships can get as many as 74 credits in subjects including math, management, and safety training [6].
Employers and policymakers are pushing colleges to speed up the output of graduates with skills required in the workforce, including by giving more students credit for their prior learning. Being able to get credit for prior learning is a huge potential recruiting tool for colleges, with 84% of adults leaning toward going back to college saying it would have "a strong influence" on their decision [3].
In conclusion, the recognition of prior learning experiences is revolutionising higher education, making it more accessible, affordable, and aligned with workforce needs. This shift supports equitable access and student success, benefiting both individuals and society as a whole.
References:
- University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- U.S. Department of Education
- Inside Higher Ed
- DeVry University
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- The Hechinger Report
- Recognition of prior learning experiences, such as those gained through adult or transfer students' portfolio assessments or workforce development programs, is becoming more common in higher education, providing a pathway for students to efficiently advance their degrees.
- Offerings like DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management portfolio assessments for prior work or learning experience, industry certifications, internships, and capstone projects in career and technical education pathways can help reduce tuition costs, increase access to higher education for underserved students, and improves their employability.
- Moreover, the growth of certifications from professional organizations and the use of artificial intelligence can help make the evaluation of prior learning experiences simpler and more accurate, ultimately reducing the complexities that sometimes discourage students, particularly low-income learners, from applying for such credits.
