PERSPECTIVES ON PRIOR LEARNING: ACL 301
- A means to recognize, document, and validate your learning from life and work experiences for possible college credit
- Since 1978, thousands of NLU students have developed and subsequently earned college credit through a Portfolio of Prior Learning
Perspectives on Prior Learning aids students in the Recognition, Documentation, and Validation of prior learning for possible college credit.
Who is eligible to enroll?
Students enrolled in:
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B.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences
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B.S. in Management
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B.S. in Health Care Leadership
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B.S. in Management Information Systems
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B.A. in Human Services
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Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary or Early Childhood Education)
What kinds of prior knowledge are appropriate for assessment?
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Professional development
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Community work
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Artistic pursuits
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Family life
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Military Service
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Personal growth
How much credit can be earned by portfolio?
Up to 60 quarter hours of credit by portfolio may be applied toward the baccalaureate degree. Amaximum of 15 essays may be submitted.
OVERVIEW
Adult students come into our programs with vast personal and professional experiences. These experiences can lead to the acquisition of new knowledge, concepts and skills which may be equivalent to college course work. Colleges and universities often refer to this as "prior learning" since it has occurred before enrollment.
Throughout the Perspectives on Prior Learning course, students are offered group and individual assistance in the development of a portfolio documenting their prior learning. A primary emphasis is placed on the skills needed to successfully complete learning experience essays. Full participation in ALL FOUR class sessions is expected.
Portfolios are subsequently submitted to the Prior Learning Assessment center for credit assessment. Learning experience essays are reviewed by NLU faculty who determine equivalency to college-level learning. Any credits awarded are then posted on the transcripts.
The four-week Perspectives course is offered on a quarterly basis, at various site locations, for 2 QH of credit. Assessment fees are charged as follows: $130 submission fee enrolls a student in the portfolio process for one year; $130 evaluation fee for each original essay submitted includes up to two rewrites. These fees apply for the 2007-2008 academic year, effective June 30, 2007.
NOTE: Perspectives on Prior Learning is a free elective and does NOT fulfill general studies requirements. Additional portfolio credits earned, however, may apply to general studies.
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT During the Perspectives on Prior Learning course, students will write and compile the following portfolio components:
Students will receive a Portfolio Handbook, information packet, worksheets, exercises and individual counseling to aid in portfolio preparation.
In order to receive credit for the Perspectives on Prior Learning course, a portfolio meeting the above minimum requirements must be turned in at the conclusion of the class. Portfolios may subsequently be submitted to the Prior Learning Assessment center for credit evaluation; assessment fees will apply. Up to 15 essays may be evaluated.
Perspectives on Prior Learning
ACL 301 - 2 QH
Principles and practices of prior learning and its assessment will be surveyed. Learning obtained through personal and professional experiences will be analyzed. Students will prepare a portfolio documenting this prior learning.
Prerequisite: Admission to the university and at least 45 QH of previous college course work. 2 QH
Tuition: $290 per QH (subject to change)
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Registration must be completed through the Prior Learning Assessment center; for enrollment materials call 630.874.4318.
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Registration is limited; please register early to avoid disappointment
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Additional classes can be scheduled during the year, including Saturday sessions – contact Prior Learning for further information
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The Prior Learning Assessment center reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment
