A description is given of the system developed by the College Board during the past three decades through which, on the basis of examination, more than 1,500 colleges award degree credit for prior learning. Over 140,000 individuals take the examinations each year. (Author/MSE)

Although cross-cultural learning is not new, its objectives and role are not precisely defined. Several questions are posed that consider what can be learned in cross-cultural situations, assessment of the experience, and credit for the experience. (Author/MSE)

Moving from an individualized to a group approach and introducing holistic education strategies and exercises into portfolio development classes have had dramatic effects on both students and faculty and lowered student attrition in the assessment process. Sinclair Community College techniques are described and examples are given. (Author/MSE)

Portfolio assessment, designed after the model disseminated originally by the Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning (CAEL) project, has become the assessment technique of choice in prior learning programs as well as the foundation for adult degree programs. Innovations and changes in the assessment process are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Precise transcript development is vital to the articulation and transfer of credit. The transcript, the institution's award of credit, must present the institution's relation to experiential learning; transcription practices must allow institutions to communicate with third parties. Sample transcripts are provided. (MLW)

Prime features of sound college programs that assess for credit the prior experiential learning of adults are outlined. Faculty judgment underlies all evaluation methods, which include oral exams, written reports, actual performance, or appraisals of advanced professional knowledge. Work of the Council for the Advancement of Experiential Learning…

Advice is given to the individual college about three main kinds of variables to take into account in analyzing all the economic effects of programs for awarding credit to students in recognition of prior learning: process variables, student variables, and institutional variables. (Author/MSE)

The historic sources of graduate study in the United States, specifically the German influence, are examined, and the relationship of current experiential learning to past traditions of graduate study is discussed. Greater flexibility in the use of experience in graduate instruction and research is suggested. (MLW)

The problems in granting experiential learning credit and the exchange and use of such credit are discussed. Because of the shift in attention from traditional curricula to nontraditional programming and services, many problems exist for both the institutions and the adult students returning to school. (MLW)

Accrediting agencies can assume a leadership role in the recognition of prior learning experiences by endorsing the concept, assuring that good practices are followed, providing for the orientation and training of accrediting teams, and encouraging institutional review of policies and procedures. A statement endorsed by three national associations…

The composite-portfolio approach, combining all major systems of assessing prior learning of adults for degree credits, is described as exemplified by methods of Empire State College of the State University of New York. Illustrations include evaluation statements, outline of an actual degree program, and an evaluation policy statement. (MSC)

A discussion is given of competency-based programs of innovative colleges, including the role of assessment of prior learning in such programs, drawing on the experience of Justin Morrill College of Michigan State University. (Author)

Three prior learning program directors relate their experiences with program implementation. Three different types of institutions are represented: Sinclair Community College, State University of New York at Cortland, and American University, Washington, DC. Vital statistics and program descriptions are presented. (MLW)

Pressures to hold down education costs while maintaining or expanding student options have led vocational educators to explore cooperative arrangements. Descriptions of programs designed to smooth student transitions vertically from one program level to another, as well as horizontally from one institution to another, are provided. (Author/MLW)

The new Continuing Education Unit as a quantitative measure of noncredit coursework is explained, and it is indicated how the college should consider CEU transcripts in assessing prior learning for credit. (Author)