Facilitators of and barriers to recognition of prior learning in higher vocational and professional education

Abstract

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) has gained importance as an instrument for promoting the permeability of education and training systems. Despite the many advantages at the individual and social level, such as supporting lifelong learning processes, previous research indicates that RPL implementation encounters various barriers at different levels. This study aimed to investigate the facilitators of and barriers to RPL implementation for access to higher vocational and professional tertiary education in Switzerland from the perspective of RPL providers. National and organisational framework conditions as well as factors at the study programme level were considered. Data were collected via a nationwide online survey covering professional education institutions. The sample comprised 156 persons responsible for 191 study programmes at professional education institutions in the fields of engineering, economics, healthcare, and social care. A logistic regression analysis revealed that RPL implementation for access to a study programme was most likely in the following contexts: less regulated professional fields, high workforce shortage, and favourable organisational RPL policies. Furthermore, the results suggest that the attitudes towards RPL held by those responsible are decisive in designing effective interventions. © 2024 Swiss University for Vocational Education and Training. Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Tertiary education Recognition of prior learning barriers Facilitators higher vocational and professional education organisation

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Department of Research and Development, Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, Zollikofen, Switzerland

Funding & Acknowledgements

No funding information

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Facilitators of and barriers to recognition of prior learning in higher vocational and professional education

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