Centre for Learning Accreditation Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
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  • The PLAR Process
  • Portfolio parts and requirements
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Portfolio parts and requirements

This section outlines how to prepare an e-Portfolio. All portfolio submissions will contain the same parts although navigation will understandably differ accordingly.

Your portfolio must contain the following parts and meet the following requirements:

A. Formatting elements

  • Paper size 8 ½” x 11” (portrait presentation).
  • Text:
    • Font – Calibri, Arial or Tahoma
    • 12 pt – bolded only to identify categories
    • Double space autobiography and/or narrative sections
    • Black text colour
  • Number all pages of front-end pieces and learning statements.
  • Place your name and student ID# as a header or footer of each page excluding supporting documentation.
  • Orient front end pieces and learning statements to portrait layout.
  • Orient support documents to portrait layout.
  • Include no numbers or bullets in learning statements.

B. Sequential layout guidelines

Refer to the PLAR handbook, sample student e-Portfolios , and the PLAR documents and resources page for suggested formats of front end pieces and examples of supporting document types.

  • Cover page (optional)
    • Must include Student Name and ID# and program name.
    • You may use creativity for the title of portfolio, display of photos, or graphic layout (but it is not required).
  • Declaration page - Available for download.
  • Table of contents (TOC) - This important tool guides you in the organization of your portfolio including proper referencing and naming of your documentation in the e-Portfolio. You will NOT upload this document to the e-Portfolio. You will share this TOC with your mentor during portfolio preparation. Do not adjust your TOC after it has been approved without further consultation with your mentor.
    • Tab references must be in numerical sequence.
    • Tab 1 aligns with the resume.
    • Name and reference each support document with an identical name and tab number in both the Table of Contents and in the Supporting Documentation column within your learning statements document.
    • Refer to program and course-based examples:
      • Table of contents example program-based
      • Table of contents example course-based
  • DegreeWorks worksheet (program planner) - A current copy of the DegreeWorks worksheet (or program planner for students with older course regulations) is required indicating courses completed, in process, and transferred.
  • Front-end Pieces.
    • Résumé.
    • Autobiography
    • Critical incident (optional)
  • Learning statements document
    • Refer to website and PLAR handbook for guidelines specific to program-based and course-based approaches.
  • Supporting documentation
    • Start the name of each document with the tab number assigned within your mentor-approved table of contents.
    • Aim for approximately 50 tab references for supporting documentation. That number is suggested to guide a concise presentation.
    • Refer to table of contents samples above for organization of documentation.
    • A minimum of 2 letters of attestation is required. A maximum of 3 – 5 letters of attestation is encouraged. See PLAR handbook, page 33, for details.

C. Organizational Tips

  • Use a separate tab for each document and reference it in the table of contents.
  • Start the name of each document with the tab number assigned within your mentor approved table of contents.
  • Ensure all documents showcased are clear and display all information required as supporting documentation.
  • When using large documents as support, insert only the pertinent aspects of these documents in the e-Portfolio. Ensure that the original document is appropriately referenced. This will result in provision of a truncated version of the supporting document.
  • Pictures: If pictures are used in the body of the e-Portfolio please keep these to a minimum and use only if relevant to the learning. Check with mentor if in doubt.
  • Confidentiality: Ensure references to any individual(s) including names, initials and contact information or private organizational content is redacted from the e-Portfolio.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: No changes, additions, or deletions to e-Portfolio documents or organization should be made after your mentor has reviewed and approved all contents prior to submission.

A printable version of this Portfolio parts and requirements document containing additional details is online and will also be provided to you by your mentor.

Updated June 09, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/prior-learning/ 05a443b20a2a3a11238f16c4f5bb6b3c
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