Prior Learning Assessment
This page is intended for students who wish to explore
the possibility of a Prior Learning Assessment
(or "getting credit for what you know") to satisfy the "Application of
Knowledge Requirement" for the
Psychology Major at Metropolitan State (e.g., see worksheet requirement
listed under Psyc 405).
Generally, students should have 2+ years of experience (or maybe 1 year,
full-time)
in a non-clerical experience in which they learned
about applications of Psychology. This experience could be
in a paid employment position, or a significant volunteer experience.
Credit can be awarded for LEARNING,
not simply for doing or performing a task. In other words, to earn
credit you would need to:
(1) explain what you learned;
(2) how you learned it; and
(3) how this knowledge could
be used by you or in the training of others.
IF you hope to use Prior Learning to meet a GRADUATION REQUIREMENT --
TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR FIRST!!
Your Advisor must approve your graduation so you want to make sure that she
or he would be willing to consider Prior Learning
as a way to satisfy your Application of Knowledge requirement.
As an example, let's say that I worked in a group home for developmentally
disabled adults. I might have completed training,
read a procedures manual, and got down to work. Rather than focus
on the behaviors that I performed, I'd want to focus on
what I learned. Things I may have learned through my experience might
include:
* Characteristics associated with specific developmental disabilities
* Teaching life skills
* Behavior modification and behavior management
* Job coaching
* Crisis intervention skills
* Group facilitation
Once you get to this point, you could consult with a faculty member who
teaches in an area related to your Learning. If you are stuck, contact
the Psychology Faculty member listed as instructor for Psyc 010 to get a
lead. Be prepared to explain your experience,
and what you LEARNED from experience (not just what you
"did"). That person may evaluate your learning,
or refer you to a different faculty member for evaluation. Once you
have an "evaluator" you can start the registration process.
1. Complete the Prior Competence
Evaluation Form -- you will need to attach a one-page summary of
what you learned for Part II,
and write a one sentence competence statement
for Part IV (click here for
help with the competence statement)
2. Bring the completed for to the evaluator for approval (you may want
to e-mail a copy of Part II in advance).
3. The evaluator will define the assignment(s) to be completed (part
VII)
4. Obtain Departmental Approval (part VIII)
5. Deliver the form to "Gateway Services" in Founder's Hall to register
6. Complete all assignments for evaluator in order to earn credit (usually
on a pass/fail basis)