Prior Learning Assessment
Your effort outside of the classroom is worthy of credit as much as the effort you put forth within. The key is identifying those components of your prior learning that are similar to what is taught in colleges. Trinity International University recognizes learning gained through various life experiences by awarding credit through Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). This is an opportunity Trinity extends to all registered students. Students needing to complete required credit hours toward graduation may be eligible to petition for up to thirty-two (32) credit hours. Pursuing credit through prior learning is a cost-effective and beneficial way to accomplish your educational goals. CLEP, Bible Challenge Exams, and BPT & LLP Papers (see specific information on papers below) are defined by PLA.
Prior Learning Assessment seeks to acknowledge the learning fostered by those experiences by examining what the individual has understood and learned through the process of life and all it brings to the individual. One key concept to note in dealing with Prior Learning Assessment: it is not the experience, but learning from the experience that is assessed for credit. One can experience an event, or a process, or a period of change, and be able to describe the circumstances that took place. Without recognizing the understanding of the cognitive process that could result in learning is not college credit. To earn college credit, one must evaluate the learning that took place along with balancing theories with the use of supportive materials.
PLA papers are divided into two categories:
1. Business and Professional Training (BPT):
This type of PLA demonstrates college level training experience acquired through non-transcripted training such as conferences, workshops or other credentialed learning. (This type of prior learning demonstrates college-level learning acquired outside of an accredited university or college from credentialed training within professional organizations.)
2. Life Learning Papers (LLP):
This type of PLA is based upon learning received from a previous life experience such as marriage, divorce, grief, parenting, etc. The experience is not what earns college credit, but the learning from the experience. (This type of prior learning demonstrates college-level learning acquired outside of an accredited university or college from life experiences such as marriage, divorce, addiction, etc. Demonstrating college-level learning earns a student credit, not the experience itself.)
Students are encouraged to dowload the PLA Manual for the most complete information regarding PLA. Before submitting a PLA paper, students must attend an annual PLA Workshop (next workshop will be in October 2010). After attending a workshop, students must then obtain approval of their PLA topic by completing the appropriate Topic Approval Form below and submitting it to their Advisor.
Once the PLA topic has been approved, a student can choose to submit their PLA, along with the corresponding Petition Form.
For a quick overview of PLA - please refer to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).