Assessment of Prior Learning

Asessment of Prior Learning is a procedure in which candidates’ prior learning in relation to a certain learning objective is assessed, independent of the environment in which the learning took place. The aim is to suitably recognise prior learning.

This PhD project focuses on APL in the context of higher education, and answers the following research questions:

1. How are APL characteristics elaborated in the literature, and what relationship
2. exists between APL and the quality framework for competence assessments?
3. Is self-assessment – a key portfolio component – a suitable tool to support candidates in gathering evidence for university APL procedures?
4. How do APL candidates, assessors and tutors perceive their task fulfilment and the quality of the APL instruments?
5. What are assessors’ approaches in APL portfolio assessment?
6. Which support is desired in APL, has the highest added value and is the most efficient?

The central question in this research was how to support APL candidates in higher
education.

The results are published in a PhD thesis that was defended on October 7th 2008.