Episode 7 – PLAR Success Story with Jules André-Brown

Jules is a father, and artist, and lives in Saanich, B.C . He serves on the BC Arts Council. Jules' experience includes working as a leadership and governance consultant and in social services. Jules has completed a Classroom and Community Support Diploma through Douglas College and a Masters in Leadership through Royal Roads University. Jules’ graduate thesis focused on the importance of young people having a voice in arts and culture organizations. He is now co-executive director of Art Starts, a charity dedicated to providing young people an opportunity to participate in arts and culture.

Episode 6 – Recognition of Acquired Competencies in Quebec with Magali Robitaille and Johanne Laroche

In this episode, we have been joined by Magali Robitaille and Johanne Laroche - expert counselors in Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) at the Center of Expertise of Cégep Marie-Victorin (CERAC Marie-Victorin), in Montreal, Quebec.

About Magali:

Magali Robitaille holds a PhD in Education from the Université de Genève. She has been working in the continuing education field for 20 years, specifically as a RAC professional for the last 15 years at Cégep Marie-Victorin. She was in charge of various projects such as developing a RAC process and evaluation tools for a professional association and providing initial training for new RAC professionals throughout the Province of Quebec.

About Johanne:

Johanne Laroche holds a master’s degree in career counselling and is a member of the guidance counselor professional association of Quebec. She has worked for over 20 years in human resources and education and as a RAC professional for the last 5 years at Cégep Marie-Victorin. She has managed RAC processes in various fields and has developed RAC processes for indigenous communities.

Both Magali and Johanne are acting as experts in methodology for the development of RAC evaluation tools and coach new experts in methodology.

Episode 5 - Pt. 2, PLAR IT Pilot at New Brunswick Community College with Michelle Chisholm and Patrick Reinartz

Join us in this episode as we learn about IT Pilot project at New Brunswick Community College with Michelle Chisholm and Patrick Reinartz. 

About Michelle: 

Michelle Chisholm, Learning Design Consultant for Prior Learning, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)

Michelle’s role in NBCC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) pilot project was to work collaboratively with internal subject matter experts and a larger PLAR team to help establish better practices related to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). She brings a knowledge of evidence-based strategies in assessment, Universal Design for Learning and other inclusionary or accessible practices to the project that aims to diminish barriers to incoming and current students of NBCC. Michelle’s background is in education, having previously worked as a teacher, for PETL NB, and for St. Thomas University. Michelle has an MEd in Exceptional Learners from the University of New Brunswick along with a BA and BEd from St. Thomas University.

About Patrick:

Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)

Patrick serves as Coordinator for NBCC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) pilot. In this role, he contributes to systems and process development aspects of the project, while also providing service, documentation and support for participants. Patrick has a decade-long background in corporate training, where he acted as LMS administrator and technical support for a leading US-based health services provider. 

Episode 4 - Key take-aways and experience attending VPL Biennale Conference with Susan Forseille and Nicole Borhaven

In this episode we have been joined by Susan Forseille and Nicole Borhaven to learn more about the 4th Validation of Prior Learning Biennale international conference held in Iceland on May 19-20, 2022!

About Susan:

As the Director of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at Thompson Rivers University, 22-years as a career-educator, and an enthusiastic researcher, Susan Forseille has been privileged to work in, and conduct research around multiple intersections of career development, prior learning, and education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Education from Thompson Rivers University, and is currently completing her PhD with the University of Leicester. Susan is a passionate PLAR advocate believing adult learners acquire great amounts of knowledge and skills through life and work experience.

About Nicole:

Nicole Borhaven is a PLAR Advisor at Thompson Rivers University. Nicole's role is to coach students through the PLAR process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Certificate in Liberal Arts from Simon Fraser University. She has been with TRU Open Learning since 2010 and has experience in Program Advising and Accessibility Services. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, writing, travelling and enjoying the great outdoors.

Resources:

https://vplbiennale.org/
https://vplbiennale.org/videos/
https://vplbiennale.org/workshops-and-presentations/

Episode 3 - PLAR at New Brunswick Community College, and more, with Mackenzie Bartlett and Patrick Reinartz

About Mackenzie:

Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)

Mackenzie manages the credit transfer and equivalency application processes through the Office of the Registrar at NBCC. Since joining the college in 2019, she has coordinated various continuous improvement projects to strengthen assessment practices, generate workflow efficiencies, and expand RPL services to provide better opportunities for students to achieve recognition for their prior learning. Her background is in teaching and curriculum development in post-secondary institutions.

About Patrick:

Recognition of Prior Learning Coordinator, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC)

Patrick serves as Coordinator for NBCC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) pilot. In this role, he contributes to systems and process development aspects of the project, while also providing service, documentation and support for participants. Patrick has a decade-long background in corporate training, where he acted as LMS administrator and technical support for a leading US-based health services provider. 

Episode 2 - Military PLAR at British Columbia Institute of Technology with Justine Arsenault

About Justine:

Justine is a Program Planning Analyst with BCIT’s SITE Centre and responsible for assessing the knowledge, skills and experiences of adult learners and advising them on educational pathways based on the advanced placement and prior learning (APPL) method. She also manages the BCIT Legion Program, providing prior learning assessments as well as career development and transition support to Canadian Armed Forces members.

Episode 1 - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition with Dr. Christine Wihak

About Christine:

Dr. Christine Wihak retired as the Director, PLAR at Thompson Rivers University – Open Learning and Director of the Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC)in 2018. Her involvement in PLAR developed when she was teaching Inuit students at Nunavut Arctic College.

Dr. Wihak holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta, a Masters of Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Carleton University, and an Honours BA in Psychology from Queens. She was also a registered psychologist (Alberta), specializing in Occupational and Organizational Psychology.