Prior experiential learning
Experiential learning consists of the knowledge and skills acquired outside the formal educational system. Non-formal learning can occur in a variety of settings: at work, in the home, in pursuit of hobbies and volunteer activities, and through self-instruction. The assessment procedure is designed to determine the academic equivalency of the knowledge and skills acquired in non-formal educational environments. When students enroll at an institution where a PLA capacity exists, they identify the courses in which they have prior knowledge and skills and prepare to be tested according to the formal PLA procedures at that institution.
A number of Canadian institutions have already implemented a process for assessing prior experiential learning. The work of the First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI) was brought to our attention (see box, below).
The First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI)
The FNTI was established in 1985 to serve the post-secondary needs of the aboriginal community. The institute is managed by aboriginal people and located on aboriginal territory in Ontario. It is dedicated to the principles of adult education and, as such, has implemented a prior learning assessment process. FNTI is one of the pioneers in PLA in Ontario. At the institute, the teacher acts as a facilitator for the student who determines the objectives, skills, and knowledge that he or she wants from the training.