Innovations in 21st Century DrPH Training: Using Prior Learning Portfolios to support Competency-Based Curricula

Competency-based curricula emphasize demonstration of mastery in predefined competencies as opposed to completion of credit hours. Benefits include improved workforce readiness and increased program efficiency and effectiveness through assessment of prior learning. This presentation will describe how Prior Learning Portfolios (PLP) can be an effective method of prior learning as part of a competency-based DrPH program of study. Based on a course-matched approach, the DrPH Admissions and Advisory Committee (ACC) developed and implemented a PLP to assess prior attainment of DrPH competencies to enable program tailoring to meet the individual student needs. Prepared in the first year, the PLP is submitted to the ACC for evaluation. Comprised of several components, the Competencies and Learning Outcomes Narrative directly provides the rationale for achievement of competencies within the DrPH curricular domains. Requiring critical reflection of previous experience to effectively articulate how learning in each of the curricular domains was achieved, included are specific details and insights from the student’s past experiences, and makes systematic, logical connections to the theories and concepts of the DrPH competencies and associated courses. Documentation is required to support the narrative by providing direct evidence of the learning outcome (e.g., previous graduate level coursework, military experience, licenses that do not qualify for articulated credit, awards, publications, projects, trainings, fellowships, performance appraisals, etc). The ACC assesses each PLP to determine whether the student meets the level of learning required by each competency (defined within Bloom's taxonomy). This is followed by development of an adjusted program of study tailored to the specific knowledge and skills needed to address areas of weakness and meet overall program competencies. PLPs can be an effective method for tailoring competency-based programs to ensure achievement of specified competencies in an efficient manner, respectful of the prior knowledge, experiences and values students bring into DrPH programs.