General arrangements for Recogni
General arrangements for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Learning and expertise can be acquired in many types of
situations, through formal education and through everyday experiences and work.
The important thing is the result of learning and the learning process, not the
manner in which they took place or where or how the knowledge and skills was
acquired.
Formal education usually takes place in
education institutions, and learning is systematic and based on set learning
objectives, the time allocated to learning or in relation to the support given
to the learning process, and the learner is granted a certificate indicating the
knowledge he/she has gained. From the learner's point of view, formal (official)
education is intentional.
Non-formal education (unofficial) is
systematic and based on set learning objectives, the time allocated to learning
or in relation to the support given to the learning process. From the
perspective of the learner is granted a certificate indicating the knowledge
he/she has gained. In Finland, non-formal education is typically offered by
various independent educational organisations and training offered at
workplaces.
Informal education (everyday learning) refers
to learning that takes place during activities at work, in the family or during
leisure time. Informal education is not systematic or based on set learning
objectives, the time allocated to learning or in relation to the support given
to the learning process, not is the learner granted a certificate indicating the
knowledge he/she has gained. Informal learning may be intentional, but usually
it is unintentional and coincidental.
Students have the right to apply for the approval
(recognition) of prior learning, if the acquired knowledge is equivalent to the
learning objectives of the degree programme. During the recognition process,
students are required to assess their knowledge in relation to the objectives of
the course in question, determine what knowledge they will use for recognition
(self-assessment), apply for recognition and provide the necessary demonstration
of skills. The general principles for recognising prior learning are in
Seinäjoki UAS's RPL Guidelines. The procedures for recognising prior educational
programmes and courses are described in association with each degree programme.
Recognition refers to the approval of prior
studies, practical training, work experience and other expertise as part of the
degree or course, either compulsory pr elective, to be completed. Recognition
may involve replacing certain studies or including the prior learning in the
degree.
Replacement is form of recognition in which
compulsory or elective studies are replaced with equivalent studies completed
elsewhere.
Inclusion is a form of recognition in which
studies completed elsewhere are included in the degree as optional or elective
studies.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is closely related to the
personalisation of education. The Personal Study Plan, which students compile at
the beginning of their studies, functions as a tool for personalisation. The
curriculum for the degree programme, the objectives therein, and students' own
areas of interest form the basis of the plan. The supervisors in the degree
programmes provide guidance for compiling the plan and advise students on issues
pertaining to the RPL process. The heads of degree programme or other authorized
person are responsible for approving the Personal Study Plans. The plans are
updated during personal development and counselling discussions.
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