Other ways of learning: the recognition of professional experience in the university. The case of the UNED

Abstract

It is out of the question that a great source of learning takes place in the field of daily work, in which all professionals solve the functions and tasks that have to confront on a daily basis and based on their training and experience. Recognizing this experience in the Bachelor’s degrees remains as an unresolved issue. But this recognition requires a process of evaluation, supported by reliable, valid and credible methodologies and tools, from which it can be recognized and certified that a professional has acquired a certain level of achievement in the competencies in the context of a particular professional qualification.

The results were obtained in 2 editions of the Social Education Degree imparted by UNED in which the recognition of professional experience was addressed.  This article conducts an analysis of descriptive and comparative perspectives between the two editions (2011-12 and 2012-13) to assess the relevance of this process, the quality of the results and the response to this demand. Of the 199 applications in the first round and 222 in the second, it was confirmed that this was a study in which a significant number of students came from the same professional field, with proven experience of more than 9000 hours in an area of social intervention. This reality showed which areas are more demanded, the strengths and weaknesses of these professionals, as well as less consolidated competencies according to the degree, which was taught, etc. This information could enhance the professional development of our students, as it provides key information to sharpen specific competencies in these degrees, to work in a coordinated and collaborative relationship between academic and professional world, as well as to respond to a lawful right of our students.