Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Recognition of Prior Learning Cert

Program Overview

This Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in RPL enhances employment prospects in the community education sector by teaching RPL policy and practice. It includes peer learning triads, webinars, tutorials, and self-directed learning, providing hands-on experience in using RPL. Successful participants join the AONTAS-led RPL Community of Practice Network for ongoing support and knowledge sharing.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in RPL is the only course of its kind in Ireland. It will also build the capacity of staff for their own professional development and career opportunities. Participants will develop an awareness and understanding of RPL policy and practice while simultaneously providing them with the tools to practice RPL. The course will foster a collaborative approach to learning through the inclusion of the Peer Learning Triads which will build the expertise and capacity of adult and community educators across the entire Community Education sector in Ireland, thereby establishing a Community of Practice for RPL within the sector.

Outline:

The Modules for the Certificate are as follows:

• GV1801: An Introduction to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• GV1802: Case Study of RPL Practice
This Certificate in Continuing Professional Development in RPL is developed in conjunction to an important strategic initiative led by Aontas, building on the capacity and reach of the CEN and informed by the unique expertise residing in communities. The part-time programme will be delivered as two 5 credit modules, each with 12 hours online webinars; 6 supporting tutorial hours; 6 hours of Peer Triad Engagement; plus, self-directed learning via the peer triads. Students are expected to undertake self-directed study in addition to their peer triad groups. The course is wholly assessed through continuous assessment. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skill in the use of RPL by practising it themselves and preparing a case study.

Assessment:

The course is wholly assessed through continuous assessment. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skill in the use of RPL by practising it themselves and preparing a case study.

Teaching:

This part-time Certificate in CPD is designed for an online delivery. It will be delivered over 12 weeks with weekly online webinars and some workshop components on Thursday mornings. The course will also include a Peer Triad Approach to Learning whereby students engage with each other in small groups of three. These triad meetings will be held virtually. Course delivery will be supported by the UCC’s VLE CANVAS platform and Panopto which will facilitate the delivery of live lectures, discussion boards, online quizzes and workshops. Microsoft Teams and GoogleMeet will facilitate live interactive chat and virtual meetings for the peer triads.

Careers:

As a Certificate in Continuing Professional Development, this course will enhance the employment prospects and/or provide additional job security for those working in the community education sector. The CPD aspect is an additional advantage of the course.

Other:

Community Education Practitioners who take this course will have full access to all of UCC’s supports and services including the Boole Library Services and the Skills Centre. The course is delivered via the Virtual Learning Environment CANVAS. All course materials will be made available. It is important for the adult and community education sector to be familiar with RPL policy, in order to meet QA obligations, and also to build capacity to be involved in shaping policy. The purpose of the course is to prepare community educators to practice RPL in their own centres with knowledge on practices, potential pathways, and validation opportunities. Essentially it will provide education and training in the practice of RPL for tutors/staff. Familiarity and practice with RPL policies will help community education workers to address the quality assurance obligations for their courses. It will also build capacity for those involved in shaping policy. The course provides a step-by-step approach to the practice of RPL. It will help community educators to develop their skill in supporting their students through an RPL application process thereby facilitating students to further progress their educational opportunities. ‘Students will be invited to join the AONTAS led RPL Community of Practice Network’ where RPL Practitioners share knowledge and experience through quarterly meetings online’.