Search results

Throughout the 1990s, accreditation of prior (experiential) learning (AP(E)L) slowly emerged in Ireland as a mechanism in further and higher education. Universities in Ireland have always been autonomous in terms of the granting of awards although they are expected to cooperate with any agreed national framework for qualifications. Up until this point, the university sector has no formal policies or procedures for AP(E)L. There are signs of a willingness to allow AP(E)L provision within the sector, which the author views as a response to the downward student demographic trajectory and the consequent need to recruit more non-traditional students to keep enrolments up in the future. This article presents micro case studies from Ireland in the 1990s to demonstrate the perception from inside the university sector of the expectations of groups from outside the sector with regard to having their non-formal and informal learning recognised and accredited by the university. The perception from inside the university sector is primarily that of the author due to her involvement with the cases in the initial research and delivery and evaluation stages. The author concludes that the sector is not yet ready to publicly assess and accredit personal learning from outside its boundaries.