The history of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can be traced back to World War II when the American Council on Education (ACE) began conducting credit evaluations of military training. However, it wasn't until the 1970s with the inception of adult-serving colleges such as Charter Oak State College (COSC) and others, the altering of ACE to expand…

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is the process of evaluating learning, regardless of when or where the learning occurred, and, if the learning is at the college level, awarding college credit to the possessor of that learning. This article provides an overview of the PLA program at a large public U.S. institution and presents the findings of the…

This is a narrative case study that analyzes Carl's experience as a nontraditional student who enrolls in a transition course after a 15-year hiatus from college. Specifically, the study aims at understanding the perceived impact that the course had on shaping the personal narrative of learning in college of a reentry student. Using a…

Interviews with 19 African-American college students age 24 and older indicated that they reentered college with a clearer sense of their goals. To them, meaningful learning had real-world relevance. Self-efficacy was a key to their success and faculty and personal support made a difference. (SK)

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be a helpful tool for enabling returning adult students to know themselves and for enhancing student development. It should be used appropriately as part of a comprehensive plan for holistic academic advising. (SK)

A survey of 395 returning adult male students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs found their primary motivations to be career related; 85% felt able to balance roles; some had child care issues and most felt they had social and family support networks. Major concerns involved scheduling difficulties, financial aid, and juggling family and…

Comparison of 187 New England Telephone workers participating in a workplace education program of the University of Rhode Island and 187 on-campus students showed them alike in terms of persistence, but workers earned fewer College-Level Examination Program credits and matriculated more slowly. Supportive work environments affected matriculation.…