1^st e-forum core theme: APL

INITIAL SURVEY TO PARTNERS – FIRST DRAFT

The purpose of these questions is to provide parties with a method of collection information from stakeholders and to initiate discussions around this theme. The main purpose of the theme is to consider how processes for AP(E)L/RPL can be developed, implemented and supported and, importantly, how they are promoted and communicated to potential students who are most likely to benefit from them, particularly those in key target groups.

Where options are given please tick the options that apply and give brief details where appropriate, particularly if you tick the “other” option. Please feel free to add further brief comments beneath each question if you wish.

1. Does your institution have systems in place to enable the recognition and accreditation of formal, informal and experiential learning? (AP(E)L/RPL)

i) formal or certificated learning YES/NO

ii) informal or experiential learning YES/NO

2. Are AP(E)L/RPL processes used for

i) admission i.e. to enable entry/matriculation and demonstrate equivalence to formal entry qualifications

ii) as admission with credit i.e. as a way of recognising and awarding credit that then forms part of the proposed HE course to be studied

3. Is all learning recognised in this way formally accredited YES/NO

If “YES”, please say how and by whom. (e.g. through a university committee)

4. In what curriculum/discipline areas is AP(E)L/RPL

i) most widely practised?

ii) least widely practised?

iii) not practised at all?

5. If the answer to question 1 above is “YES” please give approximate annual numbers of students who are admitted via AP(E)L/RPL processes. Where possible give separate figures for formal/certificated and informal/experiential learning.

6. How are the processes for AP(E)L/RPL charged for in your institution?

i) free

ii) an administrative charge

iii) a module/unit/ stage equivalent charge

iv) charged at a lower than equivalent charge to incentivise access/participation

v) other

7. How is AP(E)L/RPL managed in your institution? (Give details where relevant)

i) at programme /course level

ii) at department level

iii) at Faculty level

iv) centrally (university level)

iv) a combination of the above (if so what combination)

v) other

8. Who is involved with the management and delivery of AP(E)L/RPL in your institution? Please list the job titles/responsibilities of all staff involved including those with senior management responsibility.

9. What is the general level of awareness regarding the availability and use of AP(E)L/RPL among staff and students in your institution?

Staff

i) low

ii) medium

iii) high

iv) other (i.e. good in some areas – please specify)

Students

i) low

ii) medium

iii) high

iv) other (i.e. good in some areas – please specify)

10. How is AP(E)L/RPL marketed/promoted/communicated to potential students? Tick all that apply

i) prospectus

ii) website

iii) course level information

iv) via general enquiry/help desk

v) word of mouth

vi) other

11. Do you arrange special events to communicate and promote AP(E)L/RPL to particular target groups such as those in work, employers, part- time students, women, return to study/work? YES/NO

If “YES” please give details

12. If your answer to question 10 above is “NO” do you think this would be worthwhile and if so what kinds of students or groups would you be most likely to target?

13. Do you think that AP(E)L/RPL is sufficiently visible and accessible to potential students?

14. Does you institution have a written AP(E)L/RPL policy? If so does the policy drive and inform practice?

15. What kind of training/staff development is available for staff involved in AP(E)L/RPL? Tick as appropriate and give brief details where relevant. (e.g. if you tick i) below, the detail might be, “Through a 30 credit level 6 CPD module”)

i) formal accredited in-house course

ii) other accredited course

iii) non accredited training

iv) peer - peer mentoring

v) resource packs

vi) other

vii) no training available

16. How are students undertaking AP(E)L/RPL supported?

i) by tutor/mentors

ii) through non accredited formal support sessions

iii) through a taught/ accredited module/unit

iv) through resource packs

v) via on-line process

vi) other

17. How is credit awarded for AP(E)L/RPL which contributes to an award shown on student transcripts?

18. Is the development and or implementation of AP(E)L/RPL in your institution underpinned by any formal regulatory or other mechanisms e.g. at validation?

19. Is AP(E)L/RPL considered/used/practised in your institution as a process to support

i) widening participation

ii) work based learning

iii) access

iv) continuing professional development

v) social inclusion

vi) social mobility

vii) lifelong learning

viii) other

Tick all that apply and give details where relevant (e.g. if a strategic priority)

20. Please list up to three key things that you have found or consider to be important in both ENABLING and INHIBITING the development and implementation successful AP(E)L/RPL processes. (A minimum total of six. You may list more if you wish)

It would be very helpful if you could also give the following information about yourself.

Name:

Job title/role:

Institution:

Date:

Finally, if there are any areas to do with AP(E)L/RPL that are not covered above, which you would like to have considered as part of the theme’s agenda, please give brief details below.