Thanks in advance for reading and sharing…

I attended the CAEL-2020 virtual conference on November 06, 2020. Tom Kerr, Enrollment Specialist at Suny Empire State College’s ‘Harry Van Arsdale Center for Labor Studies’ presented on the ‘Threshold Learning Model Workbook’. The workbook is a step by step working tool that supports students with developing their Individualized Prior Learning Assessments (IPLA) for college level learning credits. ( an under utilized tool for students for gaining college credit through prior experimental learning.

Kerr’s workbook in an advanced workbook A workbook that is easy to follow and incorporate in curriculum design. The workbook tests what we may or may not know, opens our minds to critical thinking about how our advancing skills, abilities and knowledge is in the realm of college level learning and why students should request IPLA college credits.

There is plenty of evidence that our learning happens in multidisciplinary learning settings it could be participating within groups, or working individual personal or business projects, or by investing in other peoples development. Once example that Kerr mentions in the presentation is on coaching( see video). A lot of learning, skill development, and gained knowledge occurs when we are interested and become invested in becoming informed on subject matter. The CAIL conference was good platform for individuals who want to learn about andragogy methodology and best practices.

Kerr’s presentation and workbook emphasizes, as he puts it, “self-improvement through self-reflection”. Self-improvement can come from learning new skills, or simply becoming aware of our own changes in thought through life experiences. Kerr’s Threshold Learning Model evaluates student capabilities by presenting each PLA individually, and through benchmarking show that significant learning has taken place for college level credit.

Clearly the workbook is an advanced tool designed to improve IPLA request processes. The workbook key feature is that it allows student and mentor to align both their understanding of how experimental learning as a process that requires team work. The student will gain self-awareness about their inherent skills, gained knowledge, and understanding of what they might not have known-they know. Throughout our personal development in life’s continuum we may not consider some skills to be equivalent to knowledge at a college level. The workbook provides examples on how to articulate for evaluators just how that the learning that is being requested as college level credit is college level. The ‘Threshold Learning Model Workbook’ is a tool that anyone who is thinking of requesting IPLA credits should review. The workbook can highlight individual skills and competencies that may be instrumental for students who may not necessarily be able to write IPLA on their own.

Just how we learn and what is to be deemed to be college level learning requires good mentorship and could be the difference in attaining a professional degree, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Associates Degree. Kerr’s Threshold Learning Theory Workbook clearly advocates for students who have skills or knowledge to consider applying for college-level learning credits through the IPLA workbook framework. Readers are encouraged to watch the presentation video and share it with students. The Threshold Theory Learning Model Workbook could be your tool to huge cost saving for college credit; and to provide a step by step guide on how to formally articulate prior learning for college credit.. Kerr’s CAEL 2020 presentation- https://youtu.be/cAhgevRZd7E. Thanks in advance for reading and sharing.