Learners have an array of knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as challenges caused by gaps in education, health, physical and cognitive exceptionalities. Every year,  educators assess the prior learning of students, state the objectives of each course, and deliver meaningful content in innovative and practical ways while maintaining respect for diverse experiences in the classroom.  The death of a loved one, a divorce, problems with addiction, one or more full time jobs, single parenting, or challenges with the English language are just some of the challenges many learners face while enrolled in post-secondary programs, enough to demotivate any learner.

To address these challenges, institutions are electing to assess the whole learner. Wholeness comes from nontraditional experiences to assess learner readiness, skills, and abilities prior to the start of a program, which may be related to time management, whether in the home or at work, previous education and employment experiences, goal setting, and motivation (portfolio based learning and assessment). Student success is directly tied to the learner’s short and long term goals and awareness of challenges. Learners who are provided with the tools for learning and have their prior knowledge, skills, and abilities appropriately assessed are prepared to meet the demands for learning and life.

Whether learners are newcomers to Canada, recent high school graduates, or mature learners hoping to advance their careers or reenter the work force, all learners have the potential to develop their skills, add to their knowledge base, and achieve their goals.