Analytic Quality Glossary

Analytic Quality Glossary

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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–12, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/

This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for additions or amendments. Page updated 20 April, 2012 , © Lee Harvey 2004–12

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Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

core definition

Formal acknowledgement (based on professional assessment), by way of granting credit, of students' previous learning: credit is given towards a programme of study or towards professional body accreditation.

explanatory context

APL is different, but often overlaps with Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL), as, for example in the definitions, below.

analytical review

HEFCE (2011) defines accreditation of prior learning (APL) and accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) as:

A general term used for the award of credit on the basis of demonstrated learning that has occurred at some time in the past. This learning may have come about as the result of a course, or self-directed study, or as the result of experience either at work or in leisure pursuits .

This definition has not changed since the 2003 version of the Glossary and is repeated on the QAA (undated) web site, although the latter does not include APEL in the definition.

London Metroplitan University (2007) states:

APL the Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning is a process, which recognises learning for the purposes of claiming credit against an award regardless of where or how the learning was achieved. It has two components APCL [Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning] and APEL [Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning].

The QEPSE-Leonardo (2011) Glossary states:

Accreditation of Prior Learning is the formal acknowledgement (based on professional assessment) of learning acquired from previous experience, usually from experience unrelated to an academic context.

Anerkennung von früher erbrachten Leistungen: Die formelle Anerkennung (basierend auf fachlicher Bewertung) von Lernleistungen, die aus früheren Erfahrungen erbracht wurden, üblicherweise aus Erfahrungen ohne Bezug zum akademischen Kontext.

The UNESCO definition is similar, although more prescriptive:

The process by which individuals are awarded credit toward qualifications based on their prior learning and (sometimes) experience (also called experiential learning). The credit is awarded upon clear evidence that the respective learning has resulted in the student’s having achieved the appropriate learning outcomes. (Vlãsceanu, et al., 2007)

CHEA (2002) has an almost identical definition (although implies it is a UK phenomenon):

(UK) A process by which individuals can claim and gain credit toward qualifications based on their prior learning and sometimes experience (often called experiential learning). Credit to be given where there is evidence that the experience or learning has resulted in the student achieving the appropriate and clearly expressed learning outcomes.

associated issues

related areas