The Alternative Learning Stream Rationale

As a fitting response to CHED’s thrust on access, the University of Pangasinan pursues the implementation of the Alternative Learning Stream (ALS). The program caters to one of the university’s goals, i.e., “to make available to all learners broader and expanded ACCESS to opportunities to responsive, relevant learning and incomes…”

Even as the university maintains its regular/main stream program, it does not lose sight of the fact that there are still many individuals craving to earn a college degree but are unable to “chase their dream” because of the situation they are thrown into. Most of these are regularly reporting for work; others are self-employed and a few have perhaps given up the idea of attending school because they have matured and find it ridiculous to join the very young minds who are in the regular program. The scenario is not exclusive of Filipinos but is also true to some foreigners. In other words, the ALS Program addresses a significant number of prospective learners in this country and elsewhere. To these people who are desirous to “drink from the proverbial cup of knowledge”, the Alternative Learning Stream Program of the University of Pangasinan is being made available. The ALS likewise caters to learners in the regular program who may wish to finish a degree within a shorter period.

The ALS Components

Under the Alternative Learning Stream are four program components, namely: the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), the Equivalent Credits for Professional Learning Experiences (EC-PLEX) Program, the Technology-Based Education Program (TBEP), and the Competent Performance Recognition
(CPR) Program.

The ETEEAP. The ETEEAP, created by Executive Order 330 is an educational assessment scheme which recognizes the knowledge, skills, and prior learning obtained by individuals from non-formal and formal education experiences by establishing equivalency competence standards and a comprehensive assessment system employing written test, skills demonstrations, and other competency-based evaluation. At present, the ETEEAP offered by the university caters to a few undergraduate courses only such as Liberal Arts, Nursing, Midwifery, Civil Engineering, Commerce, and Education.

The EC-PLEX. This program offers an alternate route to experienced and mature individuals toward their formal higher education qualifications (university degrees) through awarding academic credits for professional learning experiences from work, community including volunteer experiences and other informal and non-formal learning. Awarded credits enable the individual to be exempted from subjects within the course he/she is enrolled in.

The TBEP. This is a modification of the EC-PLEX Program, which allows students to enroll and get instruction through the Internet. Just like in the EC-PLEX, however, TBEP enrollees are required to appear in the university at certain scheduled dates for assessment/enhancement purposes.

The CPR. This is a program-based mobility and/or progression mechanism that allows both admitted and/or enrolled university students across year levels to obtain exemptions from subjects, or from course work equivalent to at least one (1) semester within the program they seek to obtain a university degree. Exemptions are obtained and subsequently, credits are awarded, after each student completes and successfully passes a competency-based assessment of claimed learning outcomes in the subject or group of subjects listed in his/her program of study. Through the CPR the student gains advanced standing on his/her respective degree program.

ALS Application Requirements

ALS applicants/enrollees (except CPR applicants) are to submit the following application requirements to the Director for Alternative Learning Stream:

1. Birth Certificate
2. High School Diploma
3. Official Transcript of Records for College Work
4. Marriage Contract (if female)
5. Employment Record (if any)
6. Performance Evaluation Report
7. Proof of
a. Awards received
b. Professional organization membership
c. Voluntarism, Consultancy, Extension Service
d. Continuing Professional Education
8. Endorsement from applicant’s immediate superior (if employed) or Certification of Competency from an authorized agency
9. A properly accomplished and notarized ALS Application Form.