APEL in Higher Education

This seminar was designed for tutors advising and assessing students on the basis of their prior experience.

The seminar provided an opportunity to share practice in the assessment of prior experiential learning (APEL) and to open up discussion about what kinds of evidence can count for credit.  The seminar explored the role of general and specific credit and APEL practices in work based learning degrees and conventional awards at different levels from undergraduate level degrees to the Professional Doctorate. There was an opportunity to make APEL assessment decisions using case studies and to discuss different approaches to assessment, guidance and facilitation.

Intended outcomes.  

• Consider the impact of UK APEL assessment practices on the take-up of APEL across the post Browne HE sector.
• Explore ways in which APEL can be developed and enabled in programmes
• Share opportunities for thinking differently about evidence and APEL assessment.
• Make assessment decisions using case studies
• Examine how approaches to APEL facilitation can support candidates.

Facilitators

Helen Pokorny is the Course Leader for the MA Higher Education at Westminster Exchange at the University of Westminster. This is a professional development course for anyone teaching in Higher Education that uses both APEL and APCL to accelerate progression for experienced staff through a Pg Cert/MA Higher Education. She and Pauline have recently completed an APEL project for the Linking London Lifelong Learning Network which included designing and developing and embedding the APEL route through to a professional doctorate. Helen researches APEL and also has many years of experience in supporting staff and students in APEL assessment in her previous post as a University APEL Advisor at London Metropolitan University.

Pauline Armsby is Director of Research and Course Leader for the Doctorate in Professional Studies (Negotiated Education related title) at Westminster Exchange.  Pauline previously practiced, developed and researched APEL in undergraduate to doctorate level work based learning programmes at Middlesex University.