Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning – APEL Workshop
Monday 30 June 2008Comment on this article Permlink
21 members of Lifelong Learning Networks met to discuss the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
The focus of the meeting was to discuss the issue and barriers in the use of APEL and ways to develop APEL in order to progress vocational learners.
Chaired by Karen Bernstein, Partnership Manager, West London Lifelong Learning Network, the workshop took place on Wednesday 18 June 2008 at Birkbeck, University of London.
Presentations
APEL – the Issues, Barriers and Challenges for Learners and Institutions
Presentation by Viki Faulkner, Kent and Medway LLN
Click here to download her powerpoint presentation.
From Competency Lexicon to Accredited Prior Experiential Learning Tool: The Journey so Far
Presentation by Nick Wiseman, South West LLN
Click here to download his powerpoint presentation.
E-APEL
Presentation by Ann Minton, University of Derby
Click here to download her powerpoint presentation.
General Comments
There was a lively discussion on APEL and it was agreed to look at APEL again at the LLN National Forum Conference once further work had been carried out. Comments included:
- Where does APEL fit into the Widening Participation agenda? Is APEL is considered to be a marginal activity in the HEI’s and is practiced on the margin? Is it just marginal activity for LLNs?
- With the pressures to recruit and changes to demographics HEIs, there is now a strategic imperative for universities to look to APEL
- APEL is a recruitment tool – enabling us to engage with employers. As a starting point for work based learners to access and progress through HE, linking in to other mechanisms such as accreditation of in-house training/EBTA which support employees
- Proactive marketing advice – there is a need to look for vocational learners and attract them to HE through APEL
- Most HEIs do not use APEL for entry. The entry criteria are a level 3 qualification. With the APEL process the applicant is already expected to have level 4 on entry
- APEL needs to be cheaper/on-line and integrated as part of the business
- Common approach across all faculties – hopefully certain faculties will lead by example
- Process for producing evidence can be life changing – self empowering
- There needs to be an awareness that students doing APEL doesn’t mean they can’t turn up for classes if they want to
- Data would be useful – who is currently applying this way? HESA could possibly provide some evidence
- What can LLNs realistically achieve? Joint APEL policy? It’s more about systematising the processes and procedures
- ‘Encapsulation modules’ – include NVQs – APEL could fit in here
- Need to emphasise importance of staff awareness and IAG
- What are the links to PA and Credit? HEFCE need to do more thinking in this area. Future funding could be linked to CAT.
Next Steps
- Possible Autumn event around credit – cautious about looking at credit as stand alone entity – must be considered in relation to something (eg. PAs, CATS)
- APEL session at National conference (26 November) – frame in wider context of employer engagement – linking to WBL etc (and also IAG?)
- Individual updates (from speakers) through email/web/LLN newsletter
- Attendance at E-APEL Launch event.
If you need any further information or are interested in the development of APEL then please email Karen Bernstein.
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