Why PLJ?
Many Prior Learning options are structured with the view to secure entry into a specific place or field of study. Thus the assessment may be biased in order to promote said entry; further PLJ has no vested interest in the outcomes. This neutrality ensures that the users’ assessment is structured to meet general assessment criteria.
What are the advantages of using PLJ?
Well apart from the neutral nature of the platform, the site allows you to develop an on-line profile, further with the on-line support users will always have access to someone to guide them in the development of their portfolio. Furthermore, with your portfolio on-line applying for jobs/study places becomes easier.
Who will see my portfolio?
It is only accessible to the site administrator and any other persons that user you authorises.
Can I get a hard copy of my portfolio?
Hard copies can be ordered from the Bayview Consortium offices by sending a self addressed A4 envelope. See address click on Contact button on home page.
Can I download a copy of my portfolio?
Yes when you log on, a download portfolio option will be available in the top right hand corner of the greeting page. You are advised to only download the portfolio once you have been through the whole process at least once, however, if you have limited access to the internet you can download the template complete it at home and send the hardcopy to our Portfolio Upload Office and our technical staff will upload it for you.
What do I do if I have problems with completing my portfolio?
If you are having trouble with filling in the assessment templates, there are a number of routes:
- Visit our help section
- Contact HELPPLJ@cogitodev.com
- Ask a leading member of your community i.e. teacher, minister, etc.
What if my question has not been answered here?
Send you question to FAQPLJ@cogitodev.com
What if I can not speak English?
In the pilot phase of the project the assessment tools will be available in English, Xhosa and Afrikaans. As the PLJ site grows other African languages will be added.
FAQs on RPL in general – the following can be found at http://www.saqa.org.za/
Why do we do RPL?
Here are some of the reasons why RPL is done:
- To redress the historical disadvantages like exclusion of many people from education and training because of regulations used by institutions, exclusion from certain jobs of certain population groups, etc.
- To validate people’s skills and knowledge§ For broader development of individuals
- To facilitate access to jobs and progression in career paths
- For recognition in terms of grading and pay/salary
- For planning through skills audits
- To promote employment equity
How does RPL assessment differ from the other general assessment?
General assessment has got the formative and summative components. With RPL assessment, it is mostly the summative component with formative done only to a learner where further action is taken after the advisory session. When assessing candidates for RPL, they are assessed against the same Unit standards and exit level outcomes of qualifications using the same assessment criteria as for other full time learners. What is demanded of a full time learner has to be met fully by an RPL learner during assessment.
Assessment of RPL learners can be on a one to one basis or even on group basis just like full time learners. If 50% is demanded as a pass mark for full time learners, the same should apply for RPL learners.
Certificates obtained through RPL should be the same as those obtained through full time learning so as to prevent discrimination of the RPL learners. However, recording of RPL learners and their achievements should be kept by the respective ETQAs and providers involved. This will help track the success or failure of RPL implementation in South Africa.
In the absence of providers ready to implement RPL what do we do with learners wanting RPL now?
Depending on what these learners want RPL for and also the level at which they want to be assessed; learners can be referred to centres already implementing RPL such as Construction SETA, UNISA, U.O.F.S. for help. Assessment centres such as Olifantsfontein are being developed. These will help learners with RPL assessments.
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