Abstract

The purpose of this study is to report on the recognition of prior learning (RPL) experiences of students and academics in a graduate context at an open distance learning (ODL) institution. Although students and academics are the key participants in the RPL process for access to graduate studies, their experiences regarding the process, specifically in an ODL context, appear to be under-investigated, given the limited number of studies conducted at distance learning institutions. Within an interpretative paradigm, the study followed a qualitative approach. A case study design was used to collect data employing open-ended questionnaires for students and academics involved in reviewing the RPL application students. The study involved research participants who were directly involved in the RPL process. The findings revealed that, apart from granting them admission to graduate studies, RPL candidates benefited from the process on a personal and academic level. The key aspects of RPL, such as preparation of evidence for assessment, which is similar to those of sustainable assessment, contribute to students becoming aware of their learning potential. This research contributes in a manner that provides more insight into this important academic experience of nontraditional students. This study recommends that an RPL process be an empowering and quality student experience that aims not only to prepare them for RPL assessment but also for the context after access to graduate studies.

摘要

本研究的目的是报告对开放远程学习 (ODL) 机构研究生背景下学生和学者的先前学习 (RPL) 经验的认可。尽管学生和学者是获得研究生学习的 RPL 过程的主要参与者，但鉴于在远程学习机构进行的研究数量有限，他们在该过程中的经验，特别是在 ODL 环境中，似乎没有得到充分调查。在解释范式中，该研究遵循定性方法。案例研究设计用于收集数据，使用开放式问卷调查参与审查 RPL 申请学生的学生和学者。该研究涉及直接参与 RPL 过程的研究参与者。调查结果表明，除了允许他们进入研究生学习之外，RPL 候选人还从个人和学术层面的过程中受益。RPL 的关键方面，例如与可持续评估类似的评估证据的准备，有助于学生意识到他们的学习潜力。这项研究有助于更深入地了解非传统学生的这一重要学术经历。本研究建议 RPL 过程是一种赋权和高质量的学生体验，其目的不仅是让他们为 RPL 评估做好准备，而且还为进入研究生课程后的背景做好准备。这类似于可持续评估，有助于学生意识到他们的学习潜力。这项研究有助于更深入地了解非传统学生的这一重要学术经历。本研究建议 RPL 过程是一种赋权和高质量的学生体验，其目的不仅是让他们为 RPL 评估做好准备，而且还为进入研究生课程后的背景做好准备。这类似于可持续评估，有助于学生意识到他们的学习潜力。这项研究有助于更深入地了解非传统学生的这一重要学术经历。本研究建议 RPL 过程是一种赋权和高质量的学生体验，其目的不仅是让他们为 RPL 评估做好准备，而且还为进入研究生课程后的背景做好准备。