(By. FRANCISCO E. ARZADON V)
EDUCATION is no longer confined inside the four corners of the classroom. Filipino educators have devised equivalency systems to recognize, accredit and provide paper credentials to informal learning gained somewhere having in mind the reality that every individual can be educated not only through formal schooling but through informal means like selfstudy, homeschooling, online learning, hands on learning, apprenticeship, etc. This is based on the philosophy that informal learning processes may enable a person to gain the same knowledge and skills gained in schools. I myself did not start formal schooling until I was 11 years old. By passing the education placement test, I did not have to start at grade 1 but was qualified to start schooling at grade 6. We have family friends who obtained college units after having their work experiences assessed. Aside from challenge or placement exams, the RPL process involves interviews, evaluation of portfolios, work visits, performance tests, and so on.
Education equivalency programs or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programs in the Philippines such as the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), Open High Schools Program (OHSP), Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test for Alternative Learning System (ALS), Philippine Education Placement Test (PEPT), Philippine TVET Qualification and Certification System (PTQCS) and Philippine Validation Test (PVT) were instituted to accredit the knowledge gained through non-formal and informal avenues. There are similar programs offered by private institutions. In other words, a school dropout will have the hope to obtain a diploma or credit units in elementary, highschool, tech-voc, and even college through one or more equivalency programs. For example, somebody who has learned computer programming though work experience can get credit units or diploma in BS Computer Science through ETEEAP. Such credentials would be useful as one seeks admission in schools and work abroad.
Australia and Canada also adapted this kind of equivalency or RPL system. . Australia has various recognition of prior learning institutions initiated by accreditation and regulation organizations such as the Australian Computer Society which will assess Information and Communications Technology skills and would give the corresponding accreditation. Canada has the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment which would assess the experi-ence of applicants to allow students to skip a part of their studies.
These equivalency and RPL systems in many western countries are introduced because of the need for man-power. Migrant workers and students had previous education but through another system in their own country. RPL is making schools in some western countries Canada and Australia more accessible for Filipino students. As educational institutions in Australia and Canada recognize learning gained outside their school settings, Filipino students can meet the requirements of these schools through their previous job experiences. Filipinos who worked in various industries like IT and the hospitality industry can use their work experience to apply for schooling in Australia and Canada.
Not all Filipinos can afford to seek higher education. Some young people may have the means but leave school because they might be gifted and are bored with the long hours of study. As countries like Australia and Canada are becoming more open to students and workers with relevant work experiences, Filipinos who do not have the paper credentials may now have an opportunity for advancement.
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