Simplified Procedure for the RPAC for multilingualism

Main idea

Outline

RPAC stands for ‘Recognition of Previously Acquired Competencies’. This means people get a validation of the competencies they have already mastered through the experience they have gained through their work, their free time or courses they took. Competencies consist of skills and knowledge. Specifically, this is what you already know and can do.

At Artevelde University of Applied Sciences (AUAS), students have been able to use the Standard RPAC Procedure to obtain exemptions for courses for over 10 years, but it’s a very inaccessible, costly, and intensive process, making it so that few students actually use it. Those that do use it, usually have a lot of experience and a lot to gain through the procedure.

Detailed description

The Standard RPAC Procedure was too intensive for students who just wanted to get an exemption for one language course based on their multilingualism due to their migrant background, experience abroad, etc. This inspired AUAS to develop a Simplified Procedure for this group of students. This procedure is free, and it doesn’t require students to compile a portfolio, making it more accessible.

Students usually learn about this option by talking to a lecturer who then sends them to a study trajectory coach. They inform the student who is interested in the Simplified Procedure about what is required to pass certain courses. Students can prove their competency by either talking to the lecturer of the language course they wish to get an exemption for, or by taking an exam for this course. If a student passes for at least half of the learning goals, they receive an exemption. They can also get an exemption for all of the future courses on the language they are already fluent in.

Length and timing

Students can take part of the Simplified Procedure throughout the entire academic year. The procedure takes around four weeks.

Main purpose

Offering multilingual students the opportunity to use the skills they acquired elsewhere.

Organized by

The Standard and Simplified RPAC Procedures are organized by Association University Ghent (AUGhent). Its members are Ghent University, HO Ghent, AUAS, and HOWEST.

Goals

• Offering multilingual students an accessible opportunity to use the skills they acquired elsewhere.
• To let students know that their multilingualism is valuable.

Target group

Obstacles targetted:

• Migrant background obstacle

Students involvement

Students weren’t involved in the design or delivery of this initiative.

Inspiration and evidence

The design of the Standard Procedure was inspired on similar initiatives abroad.

Success criteria

• It’s inclusive.
• Students feel like their skills are valuable, even if they acquired them outside of the normal educational context.
• This procedure might attract more multilingual students to AUAS.
• Students that received an exemption can choose other courses to replace these language courses.

Points of attention

• The students who have received an exemption don’t attend these classes. This means that other students miss out on learning from their classmate.
• Lecturers have a lot of freedom when it comes to assessing the students applying for an exemption. There has to be some quality control for this.

Do you feel you can effectively provide the support that students require?

Would you recommend this to other institutions?

agree

Evaluation

The Simplified Procedure will be evaluated with staff from AUGhent. In this evaluation, they will take a look at how many students made use of the procedure and how it went.

Communication

Currently, there isn’t a lot of communication about the Simplified Procedure targeted towards the students. They usually find out about the procedure through a lecturer or on info days.

Timing

Students can take part of the Simplified Procedure throughout the entire academic year. The procedure takes around four weeks.

Resources

• There has to be a study trajectory coach offering guidance and information to students.
• The lecturers need to make an assessment.
• You need resources to communicate about the procedure.

Extra information

• RPAC Guide for Applicants (pdf)

Transferability

We think it is quite easily transferable to other contexts or groups.

Universal design

This initiative is not based on the principles of UD. It’s designed for and targeted to a specific group of students.

Context

AUAS and the other members of the AUGhent have staff dedicated to offering students guidance about study trajectory. These are necessary for the Standard and Simplified RPAC Procedures to take place.