On its own, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is not a solution to either inequalities or unemployment, but it is an important strategy to address access to education and training for those previously excluded (SAQA, 2003a, p. 31) This study deals with the search for valid and sustainable mechanisms for the implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in South Africa. Some of the elements that facilitate implementation include stringent quality criteria and common benchmarks that build trust in the process and ensures the protection of the integrity of the system. In an education and training system, which is subject to intense change, RPL has an important contribution to make to the opening up of access to education and training for individuals previously denied the privilege. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Curriculum Studies / Unrestricted

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study begins with an ethnographic self-study which allows for a reflection on traditional learning experiences. This study is located in the context of the initial development of dental health professionals within those higher education institutions that endeavour to provide education and training in a rapidly changing context. This context is characterised by the simultaneous need to address the blurring of boundaries and the dichotomies that exist such as the first world and the third world, the developed and the less developed world, the rich and the poor, health and wealth, the private and the public sectors, the formal and the informal sectors, the advantaged and the disadvantaged, the privileged and the underprivileged. The definitions, concepts, theories and principles around curricula and professional development are examined in an effort to extend into discoveries of educational research usually beyond the purview of dental health practitioners, policy makers or higher education specialists involved in training these dental health practitioners. It poses key questions regarding the nature of professional competences within dental health science undergraduate studies and how the curricula are organised around these perceptions of competence. Investigative tools include participant observation, interviews and questionnaires which have included both education deliverers - the teaching staff - and education consumers - the students. The areas of access by students to programmes (input), activities whilst in the programmes (throughput) and their competences at the exit end of the programme (output) are examined. It was found that institutions and programmes are paradoxically positioned declaring missions to be globally competitive and internationally recognised and at the same time wanting to reach out to the population who are disadvantaged and who form a majority. Whilst the needs of the wider community is for basic dental services and primary health care, the resources appear to be geared for producing technologically-superior professionals who will cater for a largely urban and middle class populations. The resources available, particularly human resources, for this training, are going through a critical shortage. Simultaneously demands are being made to challenge the epistemological rationale of the curriculum practice of the training sites at both universities and technikons (now known as universities of technology). These findings reveal that the SAQA demands and the proposed transformation of higher education provided an impetus for schools and departments within universities and technikons and their institutes to look at educational concepts and to transform curricula. This shift was found to be hampered by a variety of causes which included territorial protection, lack of a deep understanding of the education and training concepts and lack of human, physical and financial resources. It was also found that traditional designs of programmes are locked into tribal boundaries which restrict movement beyond these. The boundaries are ring-fenced by historical legacies and practices which confine programmes within these borders and continue to cement the fragmented development of dental health science professionals. The education and training of the different dental health science occupational categories are fragmented between institutes, within institutes and with three separate professional regulating bodies and, seemingly, disjointed functioning national and provincial departments of health and education. This (education and training) is found to be dominated by the traditional mould of teaching, learning and assessment with pockets of change in some schools and departments. Teaching units in the form of subjects, which operate as discrete units and remain entrenched by the habituations of subjects and departments within schools, restricts movement in the competence-based direction. The framework offered by this thesis sets broader and more fluid principles and guidelines which embody the notion of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values and which course designers and educators can utilise so that renewed ways can emerge for their programmes. This allows for a cross over into each other's territories (regulatory, institutional and the health and educational services) that will allow for courses to be designed more holistically and rationally with appropriate transformatory potential.

The present study examines whether recognition of prior learning (RPL) is being implemented in the workplace, its effectiveness and impact on improving the lives of the previously disadvantaged groups and its contribution towards enhancing a culture of lifelong learning in South Africa. The main aim of this research is to explore the implementation of RPL and the extent of its effectiveness in the workplace, with particular focus on Northern Region of the Eskom Distribution. This was hoped to be addressed through the following objectives: The first objective was to determine the extent to which Eskom employees are aware of the RPL practices and to ascertain the level of awareness among employees. The second objective was to explore the current trends and practices on RPL at the workplace. The third objective was to determine and identify if there are any gaps. The last objective was to suggest ways that can be used to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 242 employees. In addition, interviews were conducted with three purposively selected (information rich) participants. The findings reveal that Eskom has policies and guidelines on RPL and a clearly stipulated purpose which is in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), however, the current RPL policies and procedures have not been piloted within the Northern Region, the information has not yet reached everyone in the business, and employees’ level of awareness is still low. Findings also reveal that RPL does exist in Distribution and efforts to implement it are visible/traceable. A number of milestones and achievements are noted in the business as a whole as well as in the region, although a lot still needs to be done to ensure full and effective implementation. The last finding shows that there are a number of gaps and challenges impeding the success of RPL. These range from capacity building to quality assurance. On the basis of the findings, a number of recommendations to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace are proposed and suggested. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

La reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience fait référence à des mesures permettant d'identifier et de valoriser les acquis des apprentissages réalisés en dehors des établissements d'enseignement et de formation. À présent, les dispositions de ce type existent ou se mettent en place dans de nombreux pays, et elles sont également promues dans le cadre de la coopération européenne en éducation et formation. Toutefois, la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience ne se réalise pas nécessairement dans tous les secteurs de l'éducation et de la formation, sa mise en place étant particulièrement délicate dans le secteur de l'enseignement supérieur. Partant de ces éléments, cette recherche se penche sur trois systèmes d'enseignement supérieur relativement avancés en la matière : l'Angleterre, la Belgique francophone et la France. En interrogeant l'institutionnalisation et la mise en oeuvre de la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience dans ces trois contextes, la recherche pose la question de savoir si, sous l'influence des processus supranationaux, les dispositifs de reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience convergent vers les mêmes modalités de réalisation. Une triple perspective est adoptée pour explorer cette question. Premièrement, il s'agit d'examiner le rôle de la coopération européenne dans la mise en place des dispositifs nationaux de reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience. Deuxièmement, il s'agit d'étudier le cheminement de la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience dans les trois systèmes investigués. Troisièmement, il s'agit de mettre en lumière la façon dont se réalise la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience dans les établissements d'enseignement supérieur, en l'occurrence les universités. Les deux premiers volets de la recherche s'appuient principalement sur le recueil et l'analyse des sources écrites, y compris la réglementation, les lignes directrices officielles, les rapports d'analyse et les travaux de recherche. L'investigation au niveau institutionnel est centrée sur un échantillon de trois à quatre universités dans chaque système étudié, et elle s'appuie sur des visites de sites, des entretiens avec des acteurs impliqués dans la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience et l'information diffusée par les universités. La recherche met en évidence le fait que les dispositifs de reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience s'élaborent en fonction de nombreux paramètres tels que l'organisation et la structuration de l'enseignement supérieur, la perception du rôle de l'enseignement supérieur ou encore la présence des acteurs individuels et collectifs aptes à promouvoir ces dispositifs. La mouvance européenne autour de la reconnaissance des acquis de l'expérience apparaît ainsi comme un cadre de référence général, prêt à se décliner différemment dans chaque système d'enseignement supérieur. / The recognition of prior experiential learning refers to arrangements that aim to identify and valorise learning outcomes achieved outside education and training institutions. At present, such arrangements exist or are being introduced in a number of countries, and are also promoted in the framework of European cooperation in education and training. However, the recognition of prior experiential learning does not always apply to all sectors of education and training, its implementation being particularly challenging in the higher education sector. Starting from these elements, this research looks at three higher education systems considered relatively advanced in this field: England, French-speaking Belgium and France. By researching the institutionalisation and implementation of the recognition of prior experiential learning in the aforementioned systems, the study raises the question of whether, under the influence of supranational processes, approaches to the recognition of prior experiential learning converge towards the same model. A three-point perspective is adopted to explore this issue. First, the research examines the role of European cooperation in the development of national arrangements for the recognition of prior experiential learning. Second, the study looks at the evolution of the recognition of prior experiential learning in the investigated systems. Finally, the analysis considers how the recognition of prior experiential learning is being implemented in higher education institutions, in this case, universities. The investigation related to the first two areas mainly relies on the collection and analysis of written sources, including regulations, official guidelines, analysis reports and research. The institutional analysis focuses on a sample of three to four universities in each studied system, and is based on site visits, interviews with actors involved in the recognition of prior experiential learning and the information disseminated by universities. Research shows that the development of arrangements for the recognition of prior experiential learning is influenced by a number of factors, including the organisation and structure of higher education systems, the perception of the role of higher education, as well as the presence of individual and collective actors able to promote these arrangements. Thus, European activities in the area of the recognition of prior experiential learning appear as a general frame of reference that translates into different arrangements in each higher education system.

This thesis examines the relationship between recognition of prior learning and the aim to increase social and ethnical diversity in higher education. Recognition of prior learning is a result of educational politics aiming to broaden social and ethnical recruitment to higher education. By examining if recognition of prior learning rather can, and shall, be seen as part of what Pierre Bourdieu calls educational social reproduction I try to question whether it fulfils education policy goals or not. My results show that persons responsible for recognition of prior learning rather recognise knowledge from prior educational institutions than knowledge gained outside the educational system. Considering this, recognition of prior learning does not quite live up to the aims. But if evaluated and developed it might become a useful tool to broaden recruitment to higher education. / Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka relationen mellan validering av reell kompetens och målet att öka den sociala och etniska mångfalden i högskolan. Validering av reell kompetens är resultatet av en politisk högskolereform som syftar till breddad rekrytering men jag försöker lyfta frågan om validering snarare kan, och skall, ses som en del av vad Pierre Bourdieu kallar den sociala reproduktionen i högskolan. Mina resultat visar att de som gör bedömningar av reell kompetens är mer benägna att värdera tidigare utbildningserfarenhet än kunskaper hämtade från andra områden. Detta gör att vi i dagsläget kan tala om att validering av reell kompetens inte riktigt lever upp till sitt mål, men att det, om det används på rätt sätt, kan vara ett bra redskap för att bredda rekryteringen.

<p>This thesis examines the relationship between recognition of prior learning and the aim to increase social and ethnical diversity in higher education. Recognition of prior learning is a result of educational politics aiming to broaden social and ethnical recruitment to higher education. By examining if recognition of prior learning rather can, and shall, be seen as part of what Pierre Bourdieu calls educational social reproduction I try to question whether it fulfils education policy goals or not. My results show that persons responsible for recognition of prior learning rather recognise knowledge from prior educational institutions than knowledge gained outside the educational system. Considering this, recognition of prior learning does not quite live up to the aims. But if evaluated and developed it might become a useful tool to broaden recruitment to higher education.</p> / <p>Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka relationen mellan validering av reell kompetens och målet att öka den sociala och etniska mångfalden i högskolan. Validering av reell kompetens är resultatet av en politisk högskolereform som syftar till breddad rekrytering men jag försöker lyfta frågan om validering snarare kan, och skall, ses som en del av vad Pierre Bourdieu kallar den sociala reproduktionen i högskolan. Mina resultat visar att de som gör bedömningar av reell kompetens är mer benägna att värdera tidigare utbildningserfarenhet än kunskaper hämtade från andra områden. Detta gör att vi i dagsläget kan tala om att validering av reell kompetens inte riktigt lever upp till sitt mål, men att det, om det används på rätt sätt, kan vara ett bra redskap för att bredda rekryteringen.</p>

在臺灣學生人數減少及大學校院產能過剩，導致大學正規教育面臨相當大的衝擊，而產業創新條例提出我國必須訂定產業人才職能基準及核發能力鑑定證明，及東協－中國自由貿易區、東協－澳洲－紐西蘭自由貿易區（協定）強調區內自然人移動，若我國未積極建立與該自由貿易區銜接之國家資歷架構，將無法促成高等教育輸出、資歷對照及人才流動。 故為協助大學校院面對此項影響，有關建立前學習認證(Recognition of Prior Learning, RPL)、我國國家資歷架構(National Qualifications Framework, NQF)及生涯歷程檔案(Career Portfolio)之整合銜接體系，實為我國高等及技職教育發展及人才培育之迫切任務。本文藉由文獻分析探討香港、英國、澳洲及歐盟資歷架構相關之發展背景、政策分析、各級學校與高等及技職教育學制發展特色；透過瞭解香港、英國、澳洲及歐盟高等及技職教育之發展，除建構我國資歷架構(Taiwan Qualifications Framework, TQF)參考模式外，並可作為高等及技職教育發展之配套措施。 本研究將以「深度訪談法」(in-depth interview)為蒐集資料的主要方法；而在資料的分析部份，則採用「紮根理論」(grounded theory)，最後則歸納結論及提出建議。其中包括「建立國家資歷架構方法、程序及注意事項」、「實施資歷架構對國家發展可獲致之助益」、「實施資歷架構可能遭遇之困難」、「實施資歷架構應有之配套措施」、「先前學習認證之內涵定義及實施注意事項」、「實施先前學習認證對於教育及訓練之助益」、「政府實施先前學習認證應有之配套措施」、「實施生涯歷程檔案之關鍵成功因素及注意事項」、「生涯歷程檔案對於大學校院招生具有助益，對就業市場則助益不大」、「生涯歷程檔案有助於個人生涯發展」、「運用資歷架構進行大學校院評鑑仍有其限制」、「大學經營應該具備多元彈性、延後分流及橫向縱向策略聯盟」、「陸生來台招生政策無法解決高等教育招生困境，應朝向將高等教育資源運用至大陸辦學」、「大學應建立多元學生來源之彈性經營方式，並應從教育產業觀點，增進大學經營效益」等14項研究結論。 本研究並依據文獻探討、資料蒐集與研究分析歸納，提出國家歷程檔案參考模式，生涯歷程檔案通用模式，及前學習認證、國家資歷架構及生涯歷程檔案之交互整合模型。並提出中央政府機關、教育學術機關及大學校院推動實施國家資歷架構整合模型之建議。 / With the number of students on the wane in Taiwan and schools unable to fill their quotas, the educational system in universities and colleges on the island is facing a serious crisis. At the same time, the Industrial Innovation Act states that Taiwan needs to establish professional standards and determine verification standards for qualification even as free trade agreements between China and ASEAN and between China and Australia and New Zealand emphasize freer movement of people within those areas. In light of these developments, if Taiwan does not strive to set up a National Qualifications Network it will be impossible to carry out high level education exports, record checks and personnel exchanges as a result. In order to help universities and colleges cope with these factors, we hereby propose the establishment of a system for Recognition of Previous Learning (RPL) and National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and a Career Portfolio to consolidate and connect development of higher education and technical training in Taiwan. This article is based on analysis of written reports and in-depth studies of the backgrounds, policies, types of schools and special characteristics of higher education and technical training institutions in Hong Kong, England and Australia. Understanding the development of higher education and technical training in Hong Kong, England, Australia and the European Union is intended as a reference for setting up a Taiwan Qualifications Framework or TQF and can serve as a complement in the development of higher education and technical training in Taiwan. The principal method used to collect information in this study was the in-depth interview, and grounded theory was used to analyze the data. The final step was to reach conclusions and offer suggestions. There were a total of 14 such articles including “Methods, Procedures and Cautions in Setting Up a National Qualifications Framework”; “Setting Up a Qualifications Network Can Be an Aid to National Development”; “Potential Problems in Setting Up a Qualifications Framework”; “Complementary Measures Needed to Carry Out a Qualifications Framework”; “Inherent Definition of Recognition of Prior Learning and Points to be Noted in Implementing RPL”; “The Benefits of Recognition of Prior Learning in Education and Training”; “Points to Note when a Government Implements Recognition of Prior Learning”; “Keys to Success in Putting together a Career Portfolio Program and Related Concerns”; “Career Portfolios Are Helpful to Universities and Colleges in Attracting Students but Have Limited Use in Seeking Employment”; “Career Portfolios Can Be Useful in Personal Career Development”; “A Qualifications Framework Is of Limited Use in Evaluating Universities and Colleges”; “Universities Need Flexible Resources, Extended Interchanges and Both Lateral and Vertical Strategic Alliances in Their Operations”; “Failure to Devise a Policy for Students from China to Get into Universities and Colleges Is Causing Problems in Higher Education in Taiwan; Higher Education Assets Should Be Used More in China”; and “Universities Should Set Up Flexible Models to Draw Students from a Wider Variety of Sources and Should Pursue Their Operating Benefits from the Standpoint of Being an Educational Business”. This research is also based on a systematic analysis of other written reports and analyses gathered in the process of research and includes a model for a National Qualifications Framework, an applied model for a Career Portfolio, and interactive models for the RPL, NQF and Career Portfolio. Finally, there are suggestions and a comprehensive model for use by Central Government agencies, educational agencies and universities and colleges.

The present study examines whether recognition of prior learning (RPL) is being implemented in the workplace, its effectiveness and impact on improving the lives of the previously disadvantaged groups and its contribution towards enhancing a culture of lifelong learning in South Africa. The main aim of this research is to explore the implementation of RPL and the extent of its effectiveness in the workplace, with particular focus on Northern Region of the Eskom Distribution. This was hoped to be addressed through the following objectives: The first objective was to determine the extent to which Eskom employees are aware of the RPL practices and to ascertain the level of awareness among employees. The second objective was to explore the current trends and practices on RPL at the workplace. The third objective was to determine and identify if there are any gaps. The last objective was to suggest ways that can be used to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 242 employees. In addition, interviews were conducted with three purposively selected (information rich) participants. The findings reveal that Eskom has policies and guidelines on RPL and a clearly stipulated purpose which is in line with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), however, the current RPL policies and procedures have not been piloted within the Northern Region, the information has not yet reached everyone in the business, and employees’ level of awareness is still low. Findings also reveal that RPL does exist in Distribution and efforts to implement it are visible/traceable. A number of milestones and achievements are noted in the business as a whole as well as in the region, although a lot still needs to be done to ensure full and effective implementation. The last finding shows that there are a number of gaps and challenges impeding the success of RPL. These range from capacity building to quality assurance. On the basis of the findings, a number of recommendations to strengthen the RPL practice in the workplace are proposed and suggested. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Owing to past injustices, the South African higher education sector is characterised by inequalities of resource allocation and of learning opportunities. Through the National Qualification Framework (NQF), recognition of prior learning (RPL) was established to address the previous inequalities in higher education and training. RPL can be used as a mechanism to offer non-traditional learners such as workers, adult learners, and community workers access to learning programmes in Library and Information Science (LIS) schools. It can also be used for up-skilling within LIS sector, to enable staff to migrate from paraprofessional to professional roles. LIS schools could possibly use this approach to offer experienced but unqualified library workers opportunities for progressive professional development and career growth. Despite it being a national policy and its obvious benefits, very little is known about RPL implementation in LIS schools in South Africa. This study was conducted to investigate the nature of RPL implementation in LIS schools in South Africa and make recommendations for effective and efficient RPL practice in these schools. The study used the questionnaire as the main data collection tool. In addition, document analysis was used to validate the collected data. The results of the study indicated that there were islands of good RPL practice in LIS schools in South Africa specifically with regard to the aspect of RPL assessment process. However, certain weaknesses were identified in other aspects of RPL implementation in LIS schools including the policy environment, training of personnel conducting RPL assessment and the quality management systems. Among other things, the study recommends that RPL quality management system (QMS) should ideally be driven by the head/chair of the school/department. Furthermore, an integrated student management system should be used to monitor the progression of RPL candidates through the formal academic system post RPL. / Information Science / D. Litt et. Phil. (Information Science)

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) nursing candidates related to the four-year comprehensive nursing training programme at a Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng. To this end an exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was undertaken. The research sample comprised of 13 purposefully selected participants. Face-to-face individual interviews, using open-ended questions (Grand tour), were used to collect data, which was analysed using Tesch’s approach. Findings from the study highlighted the challenges faced by nursing RPL candidates as adult students. These included challenges related to their theoretical learning as well as their clinical facility experiences. Based on the study results, recommendations were formulated in assisting them to successfully and timeously complete their nursing programme / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)