Recognition of prior learning gives credit to what people already know and can do, regardless of where this learning was achieved. The purpose is to grant credits towards unit standards and qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The South African Qualifications Authority (Saqa) has developed a policy dealing with recognition of prior learning. This policy will be launched at the national skills development conference in Sandton this week.
The recognition of prior learning policy makes it clear that, in principle, a qualification could be achieved in part or wholly through recognition of prior learning.
A policy of this nature has become critical in our new education and training system. In the past formal qualifications were valued more than experience, skills and informally gained knowledge. This resulted in many experienced people being left with limited prospects of furthering their careers or obtaining formal qualifications.
To transform our society and meet the requirements of globalisation and sustainable development, we could not allow such a situation to continue.
We now acknowledge that people learn a great deal in the workplace and that this learning should be credited.
Saqa was established to oversee the development and implementation of the NQF. The aims of the framework include opening up access to education and training opportunities, and the development of individuals through quality lifelong learning. The new recognition of prior learning policy is a major vehicle through which this can be achieved.
Recognition of prior learning consists of an internationally accepted process whereby knowledge gained is assessed against standards or outcomes of a qualification. In practical terms it means that a learner could gain access to further learning through the awarding of credits towards a qualification.
Recognition of prior learning is not an easy way to obtain a qualification. People who apply for recognition of prior learning must meet the requirements of unit standards and qualifications. This supports the achievement of high standards and ensures the integrity of qualifications is maintained. In addition, recognition of prior learning has a major role to play in the transformation of assessment. Increasingly, alternative forms of assessment, such as portfolios of evidence, practical demonstrations and challenge examinations are used to assess the competence and skills of people.
Over the past few years recognition of prior learning has been piloted and introduced in a number of sites. Education and training quality assurance (ETQA) bodies, providers and workplaces have utilised the principles of recognition of prior learning with great success.
Many providers of education and training have implemented recognition of prior learning in their institutions. Benefits include the fact that people will no longer have to relearn work if they can prove they already have the skills and knowledge.
Saqa will implement this policy through its accredited ETQA bodies. These will in turn accredit public and private providers of education and training, who will increasingly offer recognition of prior-learning services to people wanting to return to study and receive recognition for their learning.
Saqa is also launching a series of information seminars to promote and inform all ETQAs, providers, employers and training and development practitioners about the new policy. Seminars will be held in all provinces and will provide opportunities for discussion. Interested people such as employers, union representatives, academics, human resource practitioners, skills development facilitators and trainers are encouraged to attend and participate in these discussions.
Naude and Pillay are deputy directors at Saqa For more information visit the Saqa website at www.saqa.org.za or contact Ronel Heyns on (012) 482 0865