Canada: a typology of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) research in context

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) emerged in Canada through government initiatives to increase and improve the quality of Canadian labour supply through further and accelerated education. This chapter explores research on PLAR outside Quebec over the past 16 years (1995-2020 inclusive). The first section presents several broad contextual forces that have had an impact on the development of PLAR practice. The author then identifies public policy and competitive dynamics relating to post-secondary education that have helped to shape PLAR’s research context. A typology is...  [+] Show more

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) emerged in Canada through government initiatives to increase and improve the quality of Canadian labour supply through further and accelerated education. This chapter explores research on PLAR outside Quebec over the past 16 years (1995-2020 inclusive). The first section presents several broad contextual forces that have had an impact on the development of PLAR practice. The author then identifies public policy and competitive dynamics relating to post-secondary education that have helped to shape PLAR’s research context. A typology is then presented that frames Canadian research to date and highlights types of research conducted, who participates and whose interests have been served. In conclusion, the ideas are brought together to consider gaps and what the future of research in PLAR might hold.