The problem with UNISA's RPL process...

Whether it is a "problem" or not would likely be a matter of opinion.

But I found the following eligibility criteria for the "Prior Learning Recognition" process to be rather problematic to say the least...

"adults (23 years +) who have at least five years post secondary school experience that is current"

http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7473

The reason I say what I do is....If someone has a wealth of on the job training, applicable professional experience, non-accredited vocational training, short courses and certifications would not be eligible for the RPL process because they lack five years of post-secondary education. Even though they could probably obtain a lot of RPL credit with the knowledge they gained off the job or by self study.

I always assumed that RPL was largely geared toward helping these very types of potential learners? Ah well.

 

I think you've really got hold of the wrong end of the stick. When they refer to "experience" they're not referring to education, they're referring to experience in the workplace. The notable feature is the word "current". You must be able to demonstrate that your experience is up to date and can be related to a suitable current qualification.

Angela

 

"Adults (23 years +) who have at least five years post secondary school experience that is current"

http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7473

The term "school experience" would lead me to believe that they are indeed referring to educational experience.

 

While I might be able to understand how you could come to this conclusion, I believe that your interpretation of this text is incorrect and that Angelas is the correct interpretation. I believe it should be read as,
post secondary school experience
not
post secondary school experience
The "experience that is being described is that which follows "post secondary school." The very next statement after the quoted exerpt is a list of the various ways that this experience might be obtained. You may have noted that while some of these listed methods involve formal or informal academic study, a number also involve employment or other types of life experience. I believe that this provides a clear indication that they are not exclusively interested in "school experience."
Good luck with your application.
Jack

 

I agree Jack, I may be quite mistaken in my interpretation. UNISA should have stated "Post secondary school WORK experience."

Interestingly enough the program I will RPL for is a National Diploma and the cost of the RPL for the entire qualification is US$234.00. Cannot beat that!

 

I might agree that the statement could be worded more clearly. However, you will note that the "experience" to which we are referring is not restricted to work (employment) and so your own description is also somewhat in error. Again, good luck.
Jack

 

what is there "Prior Learning Recognition"?

can someone explain this to me?

 

ok, i think i figured it out what it is.

Does anyone have experience or opinions on this?



by the way, i do know the difference between "there" and "their"