• Steps to Take in Preparing an Experiential Learning Portfolio

The Carlow University Experiential Learning Portfolio Program is a way  for matriculated adult students (who have not yet earned 30 Carlow credits) to earn course specific and elective credits by writing about their personal and professional experiences.

The program is intended to give a boost to students who are pursuing undergraduate study already possessing a wealth of personal, community, church, and professional experience and learning.

In accordance with Carlow University's mission statement, the Experiential Learning Portfolio Program encourages adults in their process of life long discovery and learning to gather, reflect upon, and voice their learning through experience.

No two portfolios are alike. Each one is unique because each person's life experiences and curriculum needs at Carlow are different.

However, in general, the portfolio is a written narrative description of what the adult has done, what she has learned by doing, how she has applied that learning in new or different circumstances, and how she now reflects upon her learning - in situations outside of the classroom. These life experiences can range from very personal moments of growth and awareness to very detailed demonstrations of technical and professional expertise.

The portfolio has these essential components:

• An extended statement about personal, professional, and educational goals.
• A chronology of relevant life experiences.
• A series of essays (the writer decides how many), each one of which is a substantive description and reflection upon learning in a skill or "area of competence."
• Documentation which supports that life experience.

Portfolio writers work independently and with the guidance of the CAA Experiential Learning Portfolio Coordinator.

Restrictions on earning credit apply in a few circumstances; for example, Social Work credit and Senior level seminar course credits cannot be earned through the portfolio. Check with your faculty advisor to determine if there are specific program or course restrictions before pursuing the portfolio.

Carlow faculty members evaluate the portfolio based on the writer's ability to:

• Describe, analyze, and reflect upon her learning.
• Connect her experiences with Carlow's mission, goals, programs, curriculum.
• Detail her learning as it relates to specific course goals and objectives.
• Use the language and/or methodology appropriate to the discipline or area of expertise.

Upon Faculty recommendations, the Academic Dean awards credits. A maximum of thirty credits may be awarded as general elective credits offered as credits in fulfillment of some specific courses. Students may petition for a second review of their portfolios if they feel some aspect has been overlooked. However, no additional material can be added.

There is an application fee of $65.00 that a writer submits at the point she is committed to doing a portfolio. Once credit is awarded, there is a charge based on the number of credits awarded; for the academic year 2007-2008, the charge is $85.00 per credit.

Matriculated undergraduate adult students of the University can apply. Portfolio applications must be made and portfolios must be submitted before the student has earned 30 Carlow credits. The last six credits a student earns must be classroom credits.

First, call the Center for Academic Achievement at 412-578-6146 or Jill Tress at ext. 8757 to sign up for an introductory discussion about the experiential learning portfolio. These are offered several times during the academic year and may be individual or group sessions. You may also take CAA160, Writing and Assessing Experiential Learning, a three credit, writing skills integration course.

Second, meet with your advisor and be familiar with the curriculum for your major. Determine what courses you have taken and what requirements you have already fulfilled.

Third, make a plan balancing work, school, and family commitment with time for portfolio writing. Also, if you plan to take courses while writing the portfolio, take only those for which you would not receive portfolio credit.