About PLIRC (Prior Learning International Research Centre)

Dr. Christine Wihak, Director of PLAR at Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning

Judith Murray, Vice-President, Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) through its Open Learning (OL) Division, has launched an initiative to develop a new Prior Learning International Research Centre (PLIRC). The vision for the Centre, which is helmed by Dr. Christine Wihak, Director of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at TRU-OL, is to stimulate innovative and provocative research concerning prior learning and the theory, policy and practice of its assessment and/or recognition and/or validation. "PLAR lies at the intersection of research on workplace, learning and society," Dr. Wihak said, in recognition of the importance of the new centre.

PLIRC will provide an international forum for networking amongst scholars of PLAR and will actively promote dissemination of research findings to practitioners and policy makers alike.

“Prior learning assessment and recognition is an important component of Open Learning at TRU,” Judith Murray, Vice-President, TRU-OL, said. “We believe in and support the creation and advancement of knowledge in this field, along with the development of best practices and international standards.”

TRU-OL held an inaugural Steering Committee meeting in July 2009. Academic researchers from Australia, Scotland, South Africa, England, Canada, the US and the European Union were invited to present on PLAR research activity in their respective countries and their personal research. Attendees discussed current research activities, developed a basic governance structure for PLIRC and decided on initial collaborative activities required to move the PLIRC agenda forward.

“We are honoured that so many distinguished PLAR scholars agreed to attend our inaugural meeting and work with us to create an international PLAR research centre at TRU,” Murray said.

“The idea of the International Research Centre for PLAR has generated tremendous excitement around the world," according to Dr. Wihak. "I feel thrilled and privileged to have the opportunity to work with others who share my enthusiasm for research in this critical area.”

PLIRC will be a virtual centre, residing in the BC Centre for Open Learning located on TRU's Kamloops campus. Once formal TRU approval for the new Centre is received; PLIRC will invite other international academic and applied researchers to participate.