Recognition of Prior Learning Tuesday, June 28, 2011 - 10:44

Researching the Recognition of Prior Learning: International Perspectives - published by NIACE today - consolidates international research and development, from the UK, Canada, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, the USA and other EU and OECD countries, and identifies research gaps to support the development of innovative research into the theory and practice of Recognition of Prior Learning over the next decade.

Leading researcher in the field of Recognition of Prior Learning and co-editor of the book, Dr Judy Harris, said:

"Researching the Recognition of Prior Learning: International Perspectives is the first compendium of international Recognition of Prior Learning research and its originality lies in bringing together these international accounts to construct a research agenda that goes beyond existing practice, by utilising a wider range of examples and methods. This approach will encourage new research, strengthen the quality of research and hopefully improve the relationship between research and practice."

"The book's contributors are recognised authorities in Recognition of Prior Learning with solid research backgrounds and track records of publications. Together, they represent an informed and respected group of scholars."

Recognition of Prior Learning is the process of acknowledging the knowledge and skills that people have acquired formally, non-formally and informally - through work and life experience, training, community activities and unaccredited periods of formal learning. It is used in post-secondary education and training contexts for admissions and/or advanced standing, as well as in workforce development and for occupational and professional certification. Since the mid-1990s, many governments around the world have closely linked Recognition of Prior Learning with national qualification frameworks and lifelong learning policies.

Researching the Recognition of Prior Learning: International Perspectives accompanies and builds on Re-theorising the Recognition of Prior Learning (Andersson and Harris published by NIACE in 2006).