Bibliometric analysis of prior learning assessment
List of Authors
  • Fawaz Al-Malood

Keyword
  • Bibliometric Analysis, Prior Learning Assessment, Research Trends

Abstract
  • This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) research spanning from 1935 to 2023, using data extracted from 320 documents indexed in Google Scholar. The analysis revealed a significant increase in PLA research over the past two decades, with 87% of publications occurring commencing in the year 2000. Taylor & Francis emerged as the leading publisher in the field, accounting for 21% of all PLA publications and 33% of the citations. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education was identified as the most influential source, producing numerous highly cited works. R. Klein-Collins whose contributions significantly shaped PLA research was noted as the most influential author in the field. The analysis also showed that the United States produced the most PLA research contributing 72% of the total publications. The study also revealed a substantial amount of collaboration between researchers, 42% of papers had been co-authored. This study is the first of its kind to offer a detailed bibliometric overview of PLA, it provides valuable insights into publication trends, influential contributors, and collaborative networks, which serve as an important resource for scholars, administrators, and policymakers involved in adult education and PLA practices.

Reference
  • 1. Ahmad, N., Mohd Ramli, I., & Ahmad Khan, H. H. (2023). Mapping the Plastic Waste Research Landscape: A bibliometric analysis of the interdisciplinary nature of plastic waste research. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 8(SI15), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v8iSI15.5101

    2. Al-Malood, F. (2023). The Impact of Prior Learning Assessment on Student Success and Completion: A Systematic Literature Review. JETL (Journal of Education, Teaching and Learning), 8(2), 282–288. https://doi.org/10.26737/jetl.v8i2.4837

    3. Boden, C. J., Cherrstrom, C. A., & Sherron, T. (2019). Redesign of prior learning assessment in an award-winning degree completion program. International Journal of Adult …. https://www.igi-global.com/article/redesign-of-prior-learning-assessment-in-an-award-winning-degree-completion-program/233904

    4. CAEL. (2007). Prior Learning Assessment at Home and Abroad. Excerpts from Recent Articles in the CAEL Forum and News. In Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (NJ1). Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED509958

    5. Chappell, J. M. (2012). A Study of Prior Learning Assessment in Degree Completion [Doctorate, Marshall University]. https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/410/

    6. Cherrstrom, C., Boden, C., & Sherron, T. (2021). Decade of Prior Learning Assessment in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/07377363.2020.1867813

    7. Hayward, M. S., & Williams, M. R. (2015). Adult Learner Graduation Rates at Four U.S. Community Colleges by Prior Learning Assessment Status and Method. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 39(1), 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2013.789992

    8. Klein-Collins, R. (2010). Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success: A 48-Institution Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Student Outcomes. In Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (NJ1). Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED524753

    9. Klein-Collins, R. (2011). Underserved Students Who Earn Credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Have Higher Degree Completion Rates and Shorter Time-to-Degree. In Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (NJ1) [Research Brief]. Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED524578

    10. Klein-Collins, R. (2014). Accelerating Degree Completion for Latinos through Prior Learning Assessment. CAEL. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED561988.pdf

    11. Klein-Collins, R., & Hudson, S. (2018). Do Methods Matter? PLA, Portfolio Assessment, and the Road to Completion and Persistence. A Study of Prior Learning Assessment and Adult Students’ Academic Outcomes at Four LearningCounts Partner Colleges. In Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED593472

    12. Ling, P. S., & Amzah, F. (2022). A Bibliometric Review on Teachers’ Professional Learning Community (PLC), 2012 to 2022. International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society, 4(4), Article 4.

    13. Martín-Martín, A., Thelwall, M., Orduna-Malea, E., & Delgado López-Cózar, E. (2021). Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, Scopus, Dimensions, Web of Science, and OpenCitations’ COCI: A multidisciplinary comparison of coverage via citations. Scientometrics, 126(1), 871–906. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-020-03690-4

    14. Nair, P. K. R., & Nair, V. D. (2014). Organization of a Research Paper: The IMRAD Format. In P. K. R. Nair & V. D. Nair, Scientific Writing and Communication in Agriculture and Natural Resources (pp. 13–25). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03101-9_2

    15. Othman, M. H., Hammad Ahmad Khan, H., & Abdul Ghani, R. (2023). Energy Research in Malaysia: A Bibliometric Analysis. International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 12(1), Pages 260-275. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJAREMS/v12-i1/16405

    16. Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

    17. Plumlee, T., & Klein-Collins, R. (2017). Financial Aid for Prior Learning Assessment: Early Successes and Lessons from the U.S. Department of Education’s Experimental Sites Initiative. In Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED583053