Transformative Learning: Immigrant Learners Who Participated in Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC)

Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC) as it is known in Quebec, Canada or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), requires a learner to engage in retrospective thought about their learning path, their learning style and their experiential knowledge. This process of critical self-reflection and rigorous analysis by the learner of their prior learning is often the first exposure to the examination of their own knowledge. This article provides case studies of immigrant learners from the Montreal, Quebec area in a Recognition of Acquired Competencies process in vocational education. Through the analysis of interviews with learners, the authors suggest transformative learning is a by-product of the Recognition of Acquired Competencies process. Transformative Learning: Immigrant Learners Who Participated in Recognition of Acquired Competencies (RAC)