The Impact of Prior Learning Assessment on Student Success and Completion: A Systematic Literature Review

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) has gained substantial traction within post-secondary institutions across the United States in recent years as a mechanism to enhance accessibility and affordability for adult learners. The increased interest in PLA affirms the notion that learning, and competency gained through experience, training, and certifications acquired outside of post-secondary institutions may meet learning outcomes and competencies established by colleges and universities. Extensive research has been conducted on PLA methods and practices; however, there is a distinct gap in systematic evidence regarding how PLA interventions affect student success and completion in post-secondary education. This study addresses this gap by systematically reviewing the impact of PLA on these outcomes using the PRISMA framework. The search yielded 44 studies from 2010 to 2018. A total of 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for full-text review, bibliometric analysis, and chronological review. The findings show a positive impact of PLA, with students benefiting from higher graduation rates, shorter completion periods, and reduced tuition costs. Notably, Black, and Hispanic students experienced the most substantial positive effects. However, the limited number of studies in this area underscores the need for additional research to delve deeper into the factors that contribute to the success and growth of PLA's programs, specifically, the role of college counselors in advising adult students on PLA options needs further study

Using business marketing strategies in higher education: a case study

This research studies and documents the effect of applying business marketing strategies to a small vocational program at a public community college in California. The intent of applying the business marketing strategies is to promote the growth of the program in the areas of: Student Enrollment, Number of Classes Offered, and Number of Degrees and Certificates Awarded. The aim of this research is to provide evidence to support the notion that promoting a vocational program in a public academic institution, using business marketing strategies would indeed produce favorable results as is it commonly does in the case of a commercial business that markets itself. The Hospitality & Restaurant Management (HRM) program at Mt. San Antonio College was the subject of this research. As a case-study, the HRM program was studied for a period spanning six years from 2000 to 2006 using a quantitative research methodology. A comparison was conducted to analyze the performance of the HRM program in terms of student enrollment, classes offered, degrees and certificates awarded for two periods. The first period (2000 to 2003) reflects a time when the HRM program did not actively employ any marketing strategies to promote itself. The second period (2003 to 2006) covers a period when several marketing strategies were employed.Educational StudiesD.Ed. (Education Management