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Archived Webcasts
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New!
CAPLA's Fall Focus Workshop 2009
Recession, Recognition, Recruitment and Renewal
November 15 – 17, 2009 · Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto
Watch videos of selected sessions from the conference in Toronto. Our thanks to the presenters for allowing their sessions to be taped and posted here.
Opening remarks and special tribute to the late Alan Thomas by D'Arcy Martin, OISE, University of Toronto.
Gaelyne MacAulay, Chair, CAPLA and D'Arcy Martin, OISE, University of Toronto
66 min.
Opening Plenary Panel: Recognizing the Skills of Mature Canadians and Newcomers.
Presenters: Maitland MacIsaac, Coordinator, Passport to Employment, PEI; Mary Beth Lakin, Associate Director, Special Projects, Center for Lifelong Learning, American Council on Education and Barbara Jaworski, CEO, Workplace Institute.
52 min.
International PLA Network
Presenters: Gail Hall, Adult Learning and Recognition; Margaret Cameron, Manager, Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership and Christine Wihak, Director, Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning.
CAPLA has established an International Prior Learning Assessment Network (IPLAN) to facilitate international knowledge exchange and resource sharing on RPL. This year's IPLAN live webcast featured Margaret Cameron, Manager of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership who provided a brief overview of the European Guidelines for Validating Non-formal and Informal Learning (2009). She explained how Scotland's guidelines for RPL relate to the European guidelines. Dr Christine Wihak, Director of Thompson Rivers University Open Learning described the new Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC) at Thompson Rivers University. Gail Hall provided an overview of the International Prior Learning Assessment Network (IPLAN) initiated by CAPLA, including its connections with RPL/PLAR networks and individuals in other countries. Initial activities proposed for the network were presented.
49 min.
Developing a Language Portfolio for Internationally-Trained Engineers in Alberta.
Presenters: Marianne Kayed, Communications and Partnerships Manager, Centre for Canadian Language Benchmark; Colette Pepin, Project Officer, Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks and Katya Chudnovskaya, Researcher, Edmonton Mennonite Centre.
44 min.
Portfolios and Professional Skills Records for Internationally Trained Individuals.
Michelle Gordon, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognitiion (PLAR) Advisor, Prior Learning and Competency Evaluatiion and Documentation, Gateway for International Professionals, the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education and Mina Wong, Researcher.
Recognition for Prior Learning: Building on a Decade of Collaboration and Innovation
CAPLA’s Joint International Conference on Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and Qualification Recognition (QR)
October 19 – 21, 2008 · Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Watch videos and related powerpoint presentations of selected sessions from the conference in Banff. Our thanks to the presenters for allowing their sessions to be taped.
Bonnie Kennedy's acknowledgement of sponsors and AB planning committee
16 min.
Welcome to Alberta & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Manmeet Bhullar, Parliamentary Assistant, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, MLA Calgary-Montrose
60 min.
Opening Plenary
Working towards a preferred future for RPL in Canada - demographic shifts as forces for change
Moderator: Ron Woodward, President, Red Deer College; Chair of Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). Panelists: Dr Norman Amundson, Professor, Counselling Psychology/Faculty of Education, UBC; Hon. Jean Augustine, Commissioner, Office of the Fairness Commissioner, Province of Ontario; Andrew Cardozo, Executive Director, the Alliance of Sector Councils (TASC)
51 min.
Workshop
Recent Initiatives in Assessing and Recognizing International Credentials in Ontario
Presenters: Trevor Massey, Colleges Integrating Immigrants to Employment (CIITE); Hon. Jean Augustine, Commissioner, Office of the Fairness Commissioner, Province of Ontario; Tim Owen, Director, World Education Services (WES)
32 min.
Plenary
PLAR as an Agent of Change: How successful have we been?
Presenter: Susan Simosko, President Susan Simosko Associates Inc.
40 min.
Workshop
Eliminating Barriers & Maintaining Standards for Trades and Apprenticeship
Presenters: John Brosda, Senior Manager, Industry Programs and Standards, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training; Diane Cohoon, Training Manager, Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council (STEC), Tourism Saskatchewan; Gaelyne MacAulay, RPL Coordinator, Trade Essentials Centre, PEI
25 min.
Workshop
Engaging Employers in the Recognition of Immigrant Qualifications
Presenters: Julie Ball, Executive Director, Talent Pool Development Society, Calgary; Kathleen Morrow, Director International Qualification Assessment Services (IQAS)
31 min.
Workshop
Conducting PLAR and FCR to Certify Tradespersons Overseas before Immigration to Canada
Presenter: Grant MacTavish, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST)
25 min.
Workshop
Work-related Informal Learning: Implications for PLAR
Only part of the presentation is available. Presenters: Alex Stephens, Coordinator Work and Learning Knowledge Centre; Gail Hall, Coordinator, CAPLA’s www.recognitionforlearning.ca; Dr Christine Wikak, Thompson Rivers University
44 min.
Workshop
International Network (IPLAN): How Does a Quality Code for PLAR Incorporate Standards and Training for Advisors/assessors?
Presenters: Gail Hall, Coordinator, CAPLA’s www.recognitionforlearning.ca; Erik Kaemingk, Director of Knowledge Centre for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), Netherlands
38 min.
Workshop
Issues in High Stakes Assessment
Presenter: Susan Simosko, President, Susan Simosko Associates Inc.
37 min.
Workshop
Storytelling as the foundation for PLAR
Presenter: Dr Norman Amundson, Professor, Counselling Psychology/Faculty of Education, UBC
33 min.
Plenary
Hope, Heroes and Opportunity
Presenter: Dr Norman Amundson, Professor, Counselling Psychology/Faculty of Education, UBC
"Tools, Training and Trends"
Fall Focus Workshop presented by The Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment, in cooperation with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.
November 25 - 27, 2007. Metropolitan Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
Here is your opportunity to see videos and related powerpoint presentations of selected sessions of the Fall Focus Workshop. See presentations, gain information and discover tools and resources. Our thanks to the presenters for allowing their sessions to be taped, and to the Work and Learning Knowledge Centre and Colleges Integrating Immigrants to Employment (CIITE) for their sponsorship of some webcasts and videos.
Opening Remarks: Insights into the assessment of prior experiential learning (APEL) within France and the European Union.
Presenter: Teresa Hemar, Director, CIBC ArtoisTernois in France and EuroguideVAL Coordinator.
45 min.
Plenary Panel: Should Canada Develop an Adult Learning Strategy?
Session Facilitator: Sherman Waddell, Director of Institutional Initiatives, Royal Roads University; Presenters: Lynne Bezanson, Executive Director, Canadian Career Development Foundation; Wendy DesBrisay, Executive Director, Movement for Canadian Literacy
27 min.
Plenary: Broadening the Skilled Workforce: Recognizing Learning, Competencies and Credentials
Michael Bloom, Vice-President, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning, Conference Board of Canada
51 min.
Canadian Quality Standards in International Credential Evaluation
The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (The Alliance) through the contribution of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) are in the stages of performing an analysis of the Alliance's quality assurance practices, methods, and policies in order to achieve a better understanding of credential assessment processes and practices and to develop a set of recommendations to achieve increased use of a common set of standards and practices by the Alliance member organizations and other groups performing credential assessments to ultimately improve their consistency in assessment practices and their portability within Canada, and to strengthen partnerships with other credential evaluation organizations and related key stakeholder groups. Keith Johnson and Yves E. Beaudin discussed this project with delegates in this workshop. An international component to the presentation also addressed issues related to learning outcomes and competency assessments.
Keith Johnson, Project Manager, Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC)
(19 minutes)
Yves E. Beaudin, National Coordinator of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC), Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC)
(32 minutes)
51 min.
Competencies Required of Guidance Professionals with Regard to APEL
Teresa Hemar, Director, CIBC ArtoisTernois in France and EuroguideVAL Coordinator
Guidance and counselling professionals across Europe are well placed to provide information and support services with regard to the recognition and accreditation of non formal and informal learning in their country. They can also be agents for the promotion and support of specific target groups such as people who do not come spontaneously to the Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL) process where this exists. The EuroguideVAL project has highlighted skills and competencies required in general but also when dealing with specific individuals and groups such as the long term unemployed, people with disabilities but also with collective target groups such as staff from a particular company. This workshop examined what skills and competencies were needed to be able to provide advice, guidance and support with regard to APEL for such a wide range of target groups.
48 min.
Plenary: Frameworks for the Recognition of Prior and Portfolio Learning: Works in Progress
This plenary session introduced two initiatives funded by the Canadian Council on Learning and the Foreign Credential Recognition Program at Human Resources and Social Development Canada, respectively. Both projects are investigating ways in which the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and the principles and practices of portfolio learning fit into Canadian society and systems. Both these framework initiatives are committed to engaging key stakeholders in developing and implementing the visions, models and action plans that will transform the situation and prospects for adult and immigrant learners and others facing the challenges of economic, social and cultural transition. Current efforts pertaining to a framework for the recognition of immigrant learning specifically, and a framework for PLAR and portfolio learning in general, was presented. Workshop participants were able to provide responses, advice and ideas in small group discussions. Opportunities for ongoing engagement was also indicated.
38 min.
Revisiting the PLAR Standards from the Canadian Labour Force Development Board (CLFDB)
Session Facilitator: Lenore Burton, Director General, Learning Branch HRSDC; Panelists includeDeb Blower, PLAR Facilitator, Red River College; Douglas Myers, Executive Director, Halifax PLA Centre; Teresa Hemar, Managing Director, CIBC Artois Ternois, France
Lenore Burton, Director General in the Learning Branch at HRSDC moderated a panel discussion to review the CLFDB's PLAR standards, the progress that has been made over the past 10 years and the application of the standards by organizations providing PLAR services.
40 min.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as a Human Resource Strategy
Session Facilitator: Gord Evans, CEO, Workforce Development Board; Stacia Boss, HR Manager, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.
Alex Stephens, Coordinator of the Work and Learning Knowledge Centre, Canadian Council on Learning hosted a knowledge exchange for those interested in PLAR with respect to human resources management. Building on earlier research and a summary report from the 2006 Sixth International Forum on Prior Learning Assessment and Qualification Recognition in Fredericton, participants joined HR professionals in examining synergies for mutual benefit and improved practice.
37 min.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Internationally
Presenters: Gail Hall, Co-Chair, IPLAN (International Prior Learning Assessment Network) Working Group & Coordinator, www.RecognitionforLearning.ca (RFL); Teresa Hemar, Managing Director, CIBC Artois Ternois, France
We live in a global society, with increasing mobility of our Canadian workforce and a greater emphasis on continued adult learning and recognition of learning. As an outcome of the HRSDC-sponsored Sixth International Forum on Prior Learning Assessment and Qualification Recognition in October 2006, an International Prior Learning Assessment Network has been initiated by CAPLA for the sharing of resources, experience and expertise about PLAR. Participants heard about the progress that has been made on consultations and establishment of the network and provided input on potential activities and contacts.
3+ hrs.
Evaluating Adult Learners Against Industry Standards or Entire Program Outcomes
Pre-conference Workshop. Approximately 3 hours of video, presented here in 7 parts (click more below and scroll down).
Session Facilitator: Mark Gallupe, Professor, Loyalist College; Presenters: Kim Orynik, RPL Coordinator, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology; Philip Mondor, Senior Vice-President, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council; Ingrid Crowther, PLAR Consultant, University College of the North; Ginette Lamarre, PLAR Advisor, College Ahuntsic; Phil DeBruyne, member, Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA); Cristal Gobeil, PLAR Facilitator - Kelsey Campus, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology
This webcast describes how Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) provides a tool which complements the work of Human Resource practitioners and employers.
The session will explain how profiling the competencies required in a job, and matching the knowledge, skills and abilities of an individual to specific job opportunities helps with recruitment, performance development and succession planning and management. The session will also explore the need to incorporate PLAR training into educational programs for Human Resource Development.
Greater emphasis on assessing competencies and the ability to help all individuals grow and learn within a company will be required for more efficient and effective human resource management. With the increasing skills shortage projections, recruiting and retaining appropriate talent becomes more challenging. An increasing emphasis on new immigrants, First Nations people and the older worker for the labour force will require new ways of recruitment and selection.
The session will provide an overview of how PLAR provides a tool for human resource management professionals and anyone involved in hiring and managing staff.
Presenter: Ken Kowalski, IPMA-CP, HR Consultant. Winnipeg Manitoba.
Ken Kowalski is a HR generalist with more than 20 years HRM experience in both the public and private sectors. Ken holds a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from the UofM and an international professional HR designation (IPMA-CP) through the International Personnel Management Association-Canada. Ken is currently engaged with Agriculture & AgriFood Canada as a Senior HR Consultant. While with the Manitoba Civil Service Commission, Ken was responsible for the developing a PLAR in-house train-the-trainer program and acquiring the rights to deliver the RRC PLAR Foundation course to provincial HR professionals and program managers. In addition, Ken has worked with RRC to develop a PLAR for HRM credit course in RRC's HR certificate program — the first such course for HR professionals in Canada.
Presented by:Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) / RecognitionForLearning.ca,
with partners
International Personnel Management Association (IPMA)-Canada,
Canada Career Consortium (CCC),
Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF),
and the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB).
Funding has been provided by the Canadian Council on Learning, Knowledge Exchange program.
Our thanks to additional support being provided by Red River College Learning Technologies Department.
Identification of language proficiency as part of an individual's knowledge, skills and ability assessment (PLAR) is key.
Lack of language proficiency is a significant barrier for newcomers, together with lack of foreign credential and work recognition. Six out of ten immigrants are forced to make a downwardly mobile shift into a career, or job, other than the one for which they were trained or qualified, often due partly to limited English language skills.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are the national standards used for describing, measuring and recognizing English and French language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada.
This session will help PLAR, career and employment counselors working with adult newcomers to Canada:
understand the levels of language proficiency required for specific occupations or further training related to employment and career goals.
use the Canadian Language Benchmarks and Essential Skills help inform portfolio development
provide newcomers with coaching tips and suggestions when interviewing for jobs
find language assessment and training services across Canada
use the CLB "can do" checklists and other resources to better understand levels of language proficiency necessary
Presenter: Pauline McNaughton, Executive Director, Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
Pauline McNaughton has worked in adult education for over 20 years in a variety of capacities and contexts including 6 years as Executive Director at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. She has also been employed as an Education Officer in the Adult Education Project with the Ontario Government, Field Team Manager at AlphaPlus Centre, managing adult literacy online learning and provincial curriculum and resource development for the anglophone, francophone, aboriginal and deaf communities in Ontario. She has over 10 years teaching in adult basic education and ESL in private, college and school board programs.
Presented by:Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA)/RecognitionForLearning.ca,
with partners
Canada Career Consortium (CCC),
Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF),
the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB),
and
International Personnel Management Association (IPMA-Canada).
Funding has been provided by the Canadian Council on Learning, Knowledge Exchange program.
PLAR provides a powerful tool for career development and lifelong learning.
This webcast will give an overview of how Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) relates to employment, career, and education, with a special focus on how those in career and employment counseling can make use of it.
It elaborates on the increasing recognition of the importance of all learning, not only formal classroom learning but workplace learning and learning from everyday activities.
In today's complex world of career opportunities and labour market challenges, the ability to help people identify their knowledge, skills and abilities (competencies) is key to individuals, employers, organizations and society. Career Counsellors can use PLAR to help individuals identify and prove their applicable competencies for educational credit or to match their competencies to workplace job profiles.
The webcast will describe the PLAR process, and how it helps people identify and prove their applicable learning. It will also explain the range of flexible assessment tools available in quality PLAR practices.
Presenter: Deb Blower, PLAR Facilitator of Red River College, Winnipeg
Deb Blower is the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Facilitator at Red River College (RRC) of Applied Arts, Science and Technology in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She has been extensively involved in the design and implementation of PLAR practices at RRC since 1983. As the PLAR Facilitator she coordinates the resources and system implementation of the RRC PLAR Strategic and Operational Plan 2005-2010 and is responsible for the development and implementation of the PLAR Practitioner training courses and professional development initiatives.
Deb has worked nationally in PLAR, serving as Chair and Past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) from 1994-2004. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee for CAPLA's Online Community of Practice for the CAPLA Recognition for Learning (RFL) site. She is Co Chair of the ACCC Recognition of Learning Affinity Group Coordinating Committee.
Deb has been a member of national advisory committees for research studies regarding PLAR, and has presented at numerous conferences, facilitated workshops and training seminars on PLAR at the international, national, provincial and local levels, and authored a chapter "Canada: the Story of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition" in the book, Experiential Learning Around the World (1999).
Presented by:Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA)/RecognitionForLearning.ca, with partners Canada Career Consortium (CCC), Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) and
the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB), and International Personnel Management Association (IPMA-Canada). Funding has been provided by the Canadian Council on Learning, Knowledge Exchange program.
Our thanks to additional support being provided by Red River College Learning Technologies Department.
Integrating Competency Profiling and PLAR in Human Resource Management
This webcast explains how HR practitioners can use competency profiling and PLAR to enhance human resource management practices.
17 mins.
Gail Hall Introduction.
24 mins.
Patrick O'Neill explains what competency profiles are, discusses options on how to develop them, discusses their benefits for the organization, and describes how they can be used as a basis for PLAR in the workplace.
17 mins.
Ken Kowalski describes how to design a competency-based personnel selection process to enhance the quality of new hires while fully recognizing their prior learning.
21 mins.
Question and Answer session with Mr. Kowalski and Mr. O'Neill following their presentations. Audio only.
Patrick O'Neill received his BA from the University of British Columbia and his Masters degree from Curtin University In Perth, Western Australia. He has also been a guest lecturer at Carleton University, Trent University, and the University of Ottawa. As a Strategic Human Resource Management consultant, Patrick has provided a broad range of services in the areas of competency profiling, personnel selection, occupational stress and well-being, performance management and leadership development. Patrick has extensive international experience conducting research and working with executives and teams in such organisations as: the United Nations, KPMG, IBM, Australia Post, The Ottawa Citizen, Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), Department of National Defence (DND), and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
Ken Kowalski is a Human Resource generalist with more than 20 years Human Resource Management experience in both the public and private sectors. Ken holds a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree from the U of Manitoba and an international professional HR designation (IPMA-CP) through the International Personnel Management Association-Canada. Ken is currently engaged with Agriculture & AgriFood Canada as a Senior HR Consultant. While with the Manitoba Civil Service Commission, Ken was responsible for developing competency profiles within the government. Ken helped develop a PLAR train-the-trainer program for the government and acquired the rights to deliver the Red River College (RRC) PLAR Foundation course to provincial HR professionals and program managers. In addition, Ken has worked with RRC to develop a PLAR for HRM credit course in RRC's Human Resource certificate program – the first such course for HR professionals in Canada.
Presented by:Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA)/RecognitionForLearning.ca, with partners Canada Career Consortium (CCC), Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) and
the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB), and International Personnel Management Association (IPMA-Canada). Funding has been provided by the Canadian Council on Learning, Knowledge Exchange program.
Our thanks to additional support being provided by Red River College Learning Technologies Department.
Some presentations from the CAPLA international conference of October 16-18th 2006 that took place in Fredericton, New Brunswick are now being offered here in total or in part.
15 min.
Alberta Recognizes Learning
Presenters: Lucille Walter, Chair, Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT); Lisa Quarin, ACAT
Alberta post-secondary institutions and other related stakeholders recently participated in a two-day forum on PLAR during which they provided input on barriers to implementation of PLAR, possible solutions, and next steps. Learn how that input could affect the future direction of post-secondary learning in Alberta.
43 min.
Manitoba's 2001 PLAR Policy Framework: Five Years Down the Road
Presenters: Sandi Howell and Lois Morin, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training
In November 2001, the Manitoba government released A Policy Framework for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). Nearing the end of the fifth year of implementation, much has happened and many innovative strategies and solutions have been developed. This presentation highlights the implementation to date and showcase work within many areas of endeavor.
28 min.
Keynote Address Pam Tate
Pam Tate, President of The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), discussed the implications of the baby boomer generation for lifelong learning and prior learning assessment.
36 min.
The Nova Scotia Employment Assistance Services Prior Learning Assessment National Demonstration and Evaluation Project
Presenters: Douglas Myers, PLA Centre; Rick Williams, Praxis Research & Consulting; Nancy Anningson, PLA Centre
This presentation includes an overview of the Nova Scotia Employment Assistance Services Prior Learning Assessment National Demonstration and Evaluation Project, discussion about the challenges we encountered, initial R&E results from Praxis Research & Consulting, and an analysis of the impact of Portfolio Learning as compared to conventional short-term interventions.
15 min.
Recognition of Learning for Newcomers; a Continuing Evolution
Presenters: Emilie Coyle, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers; Reesha Siddiqui, newcomer to Canada
This presentation follows the evolution of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers integration services for immigrants from the 1980s through to the 00s. The newest paradigm shift includes a holistic Recognition of Learning (RL) approach for settlement, employment and other integration services for newcomers to Canada. PLAR is reincarnated as RL for employment and integration purposes. Reesha's case study is presented as an example.
14 min.
Establishing Regional and National Partnerships to Develop PLAR: Holland College and the Atlantic Provinces Community College
Presenters: Gerry Seaward, Holland College; Tim McRoberts, Holland College; Ingrid Crowther, Athabasca University
Holland College has collaborated with regional partners in the Atlantic Community College Consortium, UPEI, the PEI Department of Education, etc. to develop new strategies to engage learners through PLAR. This workshop will be an asset to community colleges wishing to collaborate though regional and national partnerships to develop PLAR policies and processes.
48 min.
The Learning Portfolio: More than Just a Credit in University
Presenters: Gaelyne MacAulay, Workplace Education PEI
Non-completion rates at universities continue to be a concern in all Canadian provinces. The Transition Program at the University of Prince Edward Island has incorporated a learning portfolio to engage students in their learning journey. A new workbook that utilizes essential skills as a learning outcome framework, guides students through a "3R" process (research, reflect, renew) linking prior learning to courses and program choices, and to career options.
33 min.
An Atlantic Centre for International Credential and Competency Assessment and Recognition (ICCAR)
Presenter: Philip Bélanger, NB Department of Post-Secondary Education and Training
The purpose of an ICCAR Atlantic Centre is to facilitate the recognition of credentials and competencies for the End Users, in agreement with the End Users, by providing an assessment service that is acknowledged to meet their expectations. The most important good practice of this model is that all stakeholders will work together with a sense of respective ownership in assisting immigrants, potential immigrants still overseas and Canadian students studying abroad improve their labour market and academic integration into Atlantic Canada.
67 min.
Language and the PLA Process: Understanding the Language Proficiency Levels Required to Work and Study in Canada
Presenter: Pauline McNaughton, Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
Increasingly internationally-educated newcomers to Canada are pursuing foreign credential recognition through prior learning and assessment. PLA practitioners face challenges in working with newcomers who may lack the language proficiency levels necessary to meet their goals or to effectively participate in the PLA process. Currently, PLA practitioners rely on scores from post-secondary language assessments, even though these academic tests do not measure the language levels required for success in specific occupations or further training. This session is structured to provide participants with an overview of the Canadian Language Benchmark levels required for study and work in Canada, with describe opportunities to actually "benchmark" case sample materials, using CLB tools and resources that participants can keep b) allow for ample discussion of the challenges facing PLA practitioners and newcomers related to language proficiency, and the kinds of resources, tools, training or services necessary to help address these challenges as they relate to prior learning and assessment process.
83 min.
Recognizing the Prior Learning of Immigrants to Canada: Moving Towards Consistency and Excellence
Presenter: Margaret Riffell, Red River College; Deb Blower, Research Project Steering Committee member; Jan Sheppard Kutcher and Lorena Costa, Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA)
This presentation highlights aspects of the CAPLA research project, recently conducted to identify Canadian organizations with exemplary practices in joint PLAR/QR (RPL) systems. Highlights include:
Brief overview of research
Steering committee activities
Focus group activities: Ideal Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) Principles and Performance Indicators, crafted by experts in the field, to be used (with appropriate modification) by accrediting bodies, post secondary
66 min.
A Tool Box for Decision Makers: Information Repository on International Education
Presenter: Irena Blodgett and Kathleen Morrow, International Qualifications Assessment Service, Alberta Advanced Education
The International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS) of Alberta Advanced Education is developing a comprehensive repository of information on international educational systems and credentials. This initiative has been developed to encourage the sharing of knowledge and information and to create the first Canadian comprehensive resource on the evaluation of international education.
23 min.
Learners Stories
Presenters Josee Martell lifelong learner, and Reesha Anees Siddiqui, recent immigrant and portfolio developer tell their stories of adult learning and PLAR.
71 min.
Access to Work-Related Learning: Barriers and Enablers From the Perspectives of Learners and Workplace Partners
Presenters: Francois Lamontagne, Co-ordinator, Work and Learning Knowledge Centre, Canadian Labour & Business Centre; Cyndi Desharnais, employer; Josee Martell, PLAR Learner; Lise Leblanc, PLAR Learner; Sevda Fazliu, immigrant participant; Dixie Mitchell, Child Care Human Resources Sector Council (CCHRSC)
The Canadian Council on Learning's Work and Learning Knowledge Centre, in collaboration with CAPLA, hosted a panel and open forum to discuss the barriers, enablers and opportunities related to access to work-related learning, with a particular focus on the situation of foreign-trained workers, long-term unemployed, and other vulnerable workers. More specifically, the session was intended to:
identify through a conversation with workplace stakeholders the main factors and trends enabling and preventing vulnerable workers from fully accessing learning opportunities in the workplace;
identify and discuss the innovative practices, programs and activities that improve access to work-related learning for adults in the labour force or those aspiring to be in it; and
provide session participants with an opportunity to better understand the projects, initiatives, programs and policies that are effective in increasing access to work-related learning.
The session featured short presentations and testimonies from representatives of the labour, employer and learner communities. They offered perspectives on barriers to and enablers of workplace learning for vulnerable workers and long-term unemployed. They also presented evidence of innovative practices designed to improve access to work-relate learning
83 min.
Universities
Part 1: The PLAR Model at Ryerson University for Internationally Educated Professionals: Challenges, Opportunities, Transformation and Growth
Presenters: Martha Ireland, The Chang School, Ryerson University; Helen Wong, The Chang School, IESWP, Ryerson University
Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, is working with professional regulatory bodies, university faculties, government and community agencies, using PLA in addressing Ontario's human resource needs in Social Work, Nursing, Dietetics, and Midwifery. We have an organic growth model with capacity to expand to serve other professions.
Part 2: PLAR in Manitoba's Universities — past, present, and future!
Presenters: Elaine Tyler, Brandon University; Sherry Sullivan, University of Manitoba; Barbara Read, University of Winnipeg; Johanne Boily, College universitaire de Saint-Boniface; Mike Munroe, University College of the North.
Representatives from the five Manitoba universities describe the issues, unique developmental processes, and success stories of PLAR implementation. Viewers will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities of implementing PLAR at the university level and discuss how PLAR might work at their own institutions.
Part 3: Q&A covering both presentations
Interviews
See individual interviews with practitioners and lifelong learners on topics of interest. Watch for new interviews on a regular basis.
New!
Interviews from the 2008 CAPLA Conference in Banff, Alberta.
Thoughts on PLAR/RPL in Canada and similarities and differences in RPL in Canada and the Netherlands, and potential for future international cooperation.
See the views of the progress of PLAR over the years, some challenges and the need for standards as identified by some (past and present) CAPLA Board members.
Deb Blower, PLAR Facilitator at Red River College (RRC), Winnipeg, Manitoba, and a Past Chair of CAPLA.
Add your thoughts and questions about the progress of recognizing learning in Canada over the last decade, and your views about what is needed to move PLAR/QR forward. RFL Members can join the discussion on this topic.
The 2006 Canadian Recognizing Learning Awards were presented at the Recognizing Learning Conference on October 16, 2006.
Winner in the Program Category was the Internationally Educated Engineeers Qualifications Program in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This is a program of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering in cooperation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM), and Manitoba Labour & Immigration.
IEEQ is a one-year program by which internationally-educated engineers can meet licensing requirements and gain recognition as professional engineers (P.Engs.) in Manitoba. The program combines academic confirmation through senior-level engineering courses, Canadian employment experience through an engineering employment term, and a holistic support network that facilitates cultural integration, academic, financial, and social support. Currently in its fourth year, the majority of participants have gone on to full-time engineering employment or graduates studies, and becoming licensed as engineers.
Winner in the Institution/Organization Category was the Quebec Interprofessional Council in Montreal, Quebec. The Quebec Interprofessional Council, acting as the collective voice and collaboration forum between the 45 regulatory bodies, came up with a comprehensive Action Plan in 2001 related to QR and PLAR issues, with an implementation phase between 2002 and 2007. The Council played a leadership role and was successful in mobilizing regulatory bodies in support of QR and PLAR and establishing the partnerships needed to achieve collective goals.
View an interview with Louis Beaulieu acting as the President of the Quebec Interprofessional Council who accepted the award.
Winner in the Person Category was Cally Warwick, Director PLAR, Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
Cally Warwick has worked tirelessly in the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) at RMC to develop a viable PLAR programme that is applicable to both DCS students and Officer Cadets. Since becoming the Director PLAR, she has collaborated closely and effectively with RMC faculty and staff to implement a College-wide PLAR policy for Fall 2006 that ensures fair and equitable credit decisions for all RMC students. Her efforts have earned Cally the respect and appreciation of her colleagues.
Cally was unable to attend the Conference, so an interview is not available.
Live Webcasts
There are no live webcasts scheduled at this time. Watch for future live webcasts in this space.
In the meantime, check-out archived recordings of our previous events above.
* Note that all times are approximate.
PLAR ContactSHOWCASE
Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN)
MPLAN is a provincial association of individuals and organizations invoved in PLAR or related activities. Our membership includes industry, workplace, education, government and community practitioners. Meetings & workshops are held 6-8 times a year to provide networking and professional development opportunites for members.
PLAR ContactSHOWCASE
Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT)
ACAT is actively involved in PLAR in Alberta. Please visit our website for further information on ACAT and to review the PLAR Final Report and Handbook prepared by ACAT.
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