Prior Learning (PLAR)

19TH ANNUAL PLA CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

"Breaking The Barriers To Success For Adult Learners: Principles, Policies And Practices"

June 15, 2008

Dear Friends:

The 19th Annual PLA Conference successfully concluded on May 30, 2008 which included a diverse mix of activities and programs designed for adult learners and their communities. In addition, three pre-conference workshops were offered this year.

The conference began Wednesday afternoon May 28 with a plenary session focusing on the application of PLA and adult learning in South Africa, South America and Canada. Members of the panel include Kessie Moodley, Director of Workers' College, Durban, South Africa, Maria Hueichaqueo, Executive Director, Tain Akimn (Mapuche) Santiago, Chile, Luis Maldonado, Director, School for Indigenous Governance (Quechua) Ibarra, Ecuador and Janice Hill, Academic Dean, FNTI. Panelists described how they implemented PLA and portfolio development in their organizations in relation to improving services to learners and their communities. Translation was provided.

The official opening ceremonies took place on Wednesday evening in the Park Room. Karihwakeron Tim Thompson, FNTI's President and CAO provided an update on Institute activities and plans for the future. A wine and cheese reception followed in the Sagonaska Room.

On Thursday May 29 there was a full slate of workshops and a plenary session highlighting the results of a recent planning session completed by the 15 partner organizations of the Adult Learner Friendly Institutional Canada (ALFICan) research project. The strategic planning session was sponsored by the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre of the Canadian Council on Learning and focused on the resources and strategies needed to implement the six recommendations resulting from the ALFICan final report published in April 2007. Conference attendees were given an opportunity to provide feedback on the ALFICan strategic plan.

Thursday evening concluded with a dinner in the Park Room followed by Eric Baragar, our "resident" conference entertainer and his "One Man Show".
Friday morning began with a continental breakfast followed by a plenary session in the Park Room guided by FNTI's motto of "Sharing and Learning". Conference delegates were asked to share what they have learned during the conference and to think about ways in which this learning may be applied when they return to their regular duties back home. The conference closed with a unique ceremony involving Mapuche, Quechua and Mohawk traditions.

As always it is our great pleasure and good fortune to be able to host this annual gathering. Thank you for your participation! We look forward to seeing you for our 20th Anniversary, May 26-29, 2009.

Yours truly,
Lynn Wilson, Conference Registrar

Please see the attached links for the Closing Plenary Worksheet Summary and Evaluation of the workshop, "Becoming an Adult Learner Friendly Institution: How To Get Started". I will also be adding Conference Evaluations as I receive them. Thank you all who sent in evaluations. It helps us prepare for the next year.