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Report 2009:21 R

Prior learning as a factor in entry and credit assessments

As assigned by the Swedish Government, Högskoleverket (the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education) has followed up approaches to prior learning applied by higher education institutions, and presented some good examples. Prior learning is the overall competence possessed by a given individual. Assessment of prior learning in the higher education sector involves a review of entry requirements and the transfer of credits at the first, second and third cycle levels. Prior learning is an alternative way of meeting entry requirements and/or acquiring competence for the relevant higher education programme, in parallel with formal qualifications. Higher education institutions must assess the applicant´s prior learning in accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance.

In the course of this assignment, it has emerged that higher education institutions regard the assessment of prior learning as a difficult task, and that many institutions are unsure of the rules that apply. This is a crucial question, since there is reason to assume that a growing number of applicants will request assessment of their prior learning in connection with the scrapping of the “25:4" rule. The basis for assessment is often unclear in view of the very different levels of prior knowledge and experience cited by the applicants. The institutions also see a contradiction between examining each individual´s application on the basis of his or her prerequisites and trying to treat all applicants in an equal and consistent manner. It is difficult to explain to the student concerned what she or he is expected to demonstrate and how this information is to be presented. In addition, the assessment of prior learning has low priority in higher education institutions. One reason may be that the provisions of the Higher Education Ordinance that have applied for some time, are not sufficiently well known, and that it is not clear how they should be applied. Another reason may be the view - often encountered in higher education institutions - that formal requirements are the “proper" way to acquire competence.
 
In the Agency´s view, assessments of prior learning must be regarded as legitimate, fair, legally valid and reliable. In order to achieve this, higher education institutions must establish quality assurance systems for the assessment of prior learning. They must also create an organisation structure for such assessments, with an explicit division of responsibilities and clearly defined routines for follow-up, quality control and evaluation. The Agency considers that a quality assurance system for the assessment of prior learning should include the following elements:

  • Information and guidance
  • Adequate resources
  • A higher degree of expertise at the institution level
  • Assessment competence
  • Documentation for the quality assurance of prior learning
  • Transparent methods
  • Clear guidelines and routines
  • Follow-ups.
Last updated: 2010-06-21
Contact: Aleksandra Sjöstrand, Email: firstname.lastname@hsv.se
Swedish National Agency for Higher Education  Visting address: Luntmakargatan 13  Box 7851, 103 99 Stockholm
Phone: 08-563 085 00  Fax: 08-563 085 50  Email: hsv@hsv.se