MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Celebrating Our First 10 Years

10th ANNUAL
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT CONFERENCE

MAY 25 - 28, 1999
Ramada Inn, Belleville, Ontario

"ASSESSING OUR PROGRESS; ENVISIONING OUR FUTURE, IDENTIFYING BEST PRACTICES"
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, May 25th - 1:00 - 4:30 pm and
Wednesday, May 26th - 8:45 - 11:45 am

Introduction To PLA and Portfolio Development

Presenter - Sandra Evans, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Participants will be introduced to the basic elements and processes of prior learning assessment. Topics covered include definitions, objectives, quality assurance; benefits to learners, employers, educational institutions and communities. Case studies supported by sample portfolios will be presented allowing for an in-depth examination of the portfolio development process.

FNTI’s Approach to PLA: Exploring Aboriginal Teachings for Portfolio Development

Presenters: Diane Hill and Banakonda Kennedy Kish Bell, First Nations Technical Institute

Participants will be involved in an integrative process intended to facilitate self-exploration. The Medicine Wheel and a Life Stages teaching will be presented as a means of uncovering and bringing forth what one knows and how one learns. The process is intended to encourage personal and professional growth utilizing a life-long journey approach to learning.
Exploring Community-Based PLAR Models

Presenters: Gaelyne MacAuley, Access PEI; Sandra Aarts, Fanshawe College, London, Ontario; Doug Myers, PLA Centre, Nova Scotia and Rick Dedi, PLA Centre, Winnipeg
Participants will be introduced to four community-based models of Prior Learning Assessment from across Canada. Content will include information on the development, mandate, partnerships, services and anticipated outcomes of each community-based model and their relationship to educational institutions. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and explore the feasibility of implementing a model in their area; steps in developing a community-based model and advantages and barriers in a community-based PLAR model.

Workplace-Based Human Resource Development Programs

Facilitators: Deb Blower, Red River Community College, Winnipeg;
Paul Zakos, First Nations Technical Institute

Participants will have the opportunity to examine a number of perspectives on learning and accreditation in the workplace. This workshop will highlight a couple of existing Canadian workforce development programs which are designed to foster continuous learning, employee involvement and participation, employability and prior learning assessment and recognition.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Nick Mulder, President and CEO of Stentor Telecom Policy Inc. will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, May 26th. His topic will be "The Knowledge-Based Economy and Life- Long Learning: How Does one Influence the Other?" This address will identify best practices which can help Canada meet the challenges of the future while maintaining the standard of living and the quality of life to which we have been accustomed. Canada must change its approach to education and training to keep pace with the global economy, technological advances and the need for continuous learning.

Pauline Clarke, Company Manager of British Training International (BTI) a recently formed organization which represents the UK Government and its partners in industry, education and training will provide an overview of the mandate of BTI. She will discuss how BTI implements its goal of making UK vocational standards of qualifications, education and training expertise available internationally. Pauline will describe some of the current international activities of BTI in relation to the need for industrialized countries to prepare themselves to do business in the global economy.

Tom Flint, Vice President for Lifelong Learning, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) will describe a recent study undertaken by CAEL with help from the American Productivity and Quality Centre, to determine how educational institutions are responding to the diverse needs of the growing numbers of adult learners. A major goal of this study is to identify a set of benchmarks which illustrate significant characteristics of the "Adult Learner Friendly Institution". This address will highlight the major outcomes of this study and discuss CAEL’s continued interest in establishing a network of "best in class" institutions which are recognized as being innovative and responsive to the legitimate learning needs of adults.

Dr. Morris Keeton, Director, Institute for Research on Adults in Higher Education, University of Maryland and Paul Zakos, President, CAPLA and Manager, PLA, First Nations Technical Institute will team up to deliver the closing plenary session on Friday morning. Using data obtained from a survey of CAPLA members and our conference mailing list, they will address the issue of "What the Future Holds for PLAR".

"Call For Presentations" will be circulated in January ‘99 along with more details on the Conference. Join us at this resourceful Conference. There is always something new to challenge and stimulate your interest in working with the adult learner!

This Special 10th Annual PLA Conference will prove to be the highlight of your Spring!