Using learning effectively, assessment tool for AP(E)L

Potts, R; Mcmahon, M

Abstract

Recognition of the need for this project is based on the recent successful collaborative work that Maureen and Ruth have undertaken with The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority (now North West SHA) to develop and pilot an AP(E)L Tool. The aim of the tool is to facilitate NHS healthcare professionals in compiling an on-going log of their work based learning and certificated learning. This should provide a format that offers transferable and portable portfolio of recognised prior and current work based learning and a means for them to seek accreditation towards undertaking higher/further education programmes (Boon 2006 and (http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2006/grant/letter.pdf).

The potential to further develop this tool and disseminate within The University of Salford is recognised and this need is heightened by the acknowledgment that the tool is now being launched within the NHS by the NWSHA. The strategy offers potential learners the opportunity to examine and consider different approaches to demonstrating prior and current experiential learning, when entering or gaining credit from programmes of study. The final report of the collaborative work demonstrates the positive outcomes for all the stakeholders.

The current APL Tool is intended to be a working document aimed at raising aspirations, recognising achievement and areas of development to facilitate progression either professionally or within FE/HE. It was never intended to provide HEI accreditation therefore, the APL Tool requires adaptation and facilitation to meet the specific requirements of The University of Salford APL Institutional Framework and to enable it to be transferable to other academic disciplines and levels of study. It will, for example, need to include details of portfolio organisation and to develop specific entry and marking criteria for the academic disciplines involved. Student Guidance and Staff Development sessions will also be required to support the process. The APL Tool will be used by learners to gain entry to, and claim credit from, programmes of study by experiential learning.

The need for development of a tool that is `fit for purpose’ for The University of Salford has been discussed with Mike Farrell from the NWSHA who has given his permission to adapt the tool and his support for this project (e-mail attached), communication with the NSWSHA is built into this project plan. Reviewing the project plan accepted by UCLAN, Salford and C&LSHA there is no mention of Intellectual Property Rights and no comments have been made by Mike Farrell regarding these and no recording of IPR was in the project bid.

Citation

Potts, R., & Mcmahon, M. Using learning effectively, assessment tool for AP(E)L

• Report Type: Project Report
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2009
• Additional Information: Funders : Teaching and Learning Quality Improvement Scheme