SCHOOL OF MIDWIFERY RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) INFORMATION BOOKLET 2017
Table of Contents Introduction to Recognition of Prior Learning... 3 What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?... 3 Why should I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?... 4 How does Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) work?... 4 How do I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?... 5 Note for International students... 6 Bachelor of Midwifery course descriptions... 8 BM101103 Midwifery Ways of Knowing 1... 8 BM102103 Midwifery Assessment and Practice Skills... 9 BM102203 Sharing the Woman s Experience of Childbirth... 10 BM104103 Women in Aotearoa New Zealand... 11 BM105103 Bioscience Foundations... 12 BM106103 Hauora Māori... 13 BM103103 Integrated Midwifery Practice 1... 14 Examples of previously approved courses for RPL... 15 2
Introduction to Recognition of Prior Learning What is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? RPL is recognising and giving credit for what you have already learned from: other qualifications life experience work experience training courses or workshops It measures what you have already learned against the requirements of our courses/programme. The objective is to give credit for what you already know and to avoid you having to repeat work already achieved in some other way. You can be given credit where you can satisfactorily demonstrate that your prior learning reaches the standard required for the course. A successful application means that your level of knowledge has been assessed and meets the same standard as someone who has completed the course. There are three forms of RPL is the School of Midwifery: Cross Credit (CC) is awarded when the student has taken an equivalent course at a different institution. Acknowledgement of Prior Learning (APEL) is awarded when the student has met the requirements of the course through a variety of learning paths (e.g. work experience combined with previous study) Partial Exemption (PE) is awarded when the student has met the learning outcomes of an assessment in the course but not the entire course. 3
Why should I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? If you think you have already covered the material in the course you can apply for RPL. These may be some of the advantages: Working out if your experience is similar to that in the course is useful in clarifying your level of existing knowledge; You get acknowledgement for your existing skills and knowledge when you start the course; Your time may be freed up to concentrate on other parts of the programme; You only have to study new material rather than going over old material again; Even though there is a fee to apply for RPL, in many cases it may cost you less overall in programme fees as you are not repeating courses. How does Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) work? In the School of Midwifery there are two ways in which prior learning can be proved. These are: Credit Transfer: credit is given for courses taught elsewhere which are equivalent to the course in which you seek RPL. You will need to provide adequate information about those courses and an official transcript. Portfolio: you compile a portfolio of evidence relating to the outcomes of the course for which you are seeking RPL. This may be based on work experience, life experience, or other kinds of learning. 4
How do I apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)? If you wish to apply for RPL you will need to talk to the Course Coordinator(s) and have your application completed within the first three weeks of the academic year. Due to government reporting we can NOT remove students from a course after this period. We have assigned a time during the first intensive for this discussion between students and course coordinators to take place. If you wish to go ahead with an RPL application, you can obtain an application form during Intensive. If you are applying for CC or APEL, detailed evidence of how you have met the outcomes of the course is required on application. An assessment interview may also be necessary. Your case will be assessed by the Course Coordinator or another assessor who has expertise in the area. After applications have been assessed by the Course Coordinator they are forwarded to the Midwifery Assessment Committee for final approval. An application fee of $80.00 is required for processing if your application is approved. If approved, you will be removed from the course and the course fees will be refunded. On Page 15 you will find a table showing previously approved courses for RPL. If you have completed an alternative course not included in this table, you will need to provide your course outline for this course. All students applying for RPL must provide their academic transcript. No application will be assessed without this information. 5
If your application is complex and combines material or evidence from several sources then a facilitator may be appointed to assist you. If a facilitator or other assessors are required there may be an additional fee charged. This is an Otago Polytechnic policy. The fee will be discussed with you and will be up to a maximum figure of no more than it would cost to enrol in the course. After the assessment the School of Midwifery will notify you of the decision. If you feel the decision is not satisfactory you may make an appeal to the Head of School. All APEL decisions operate under the oversight of the Midwifery Assessment Committee, and the committee may request additional information or details. If you are applying for a Partial Exemption, you must be enrolled and have paid fees for that course. Partial Exemption applications are not limited to the first three weeks of term but must be submitted and approved before the relevant assessment is due. To apply you give the completed application form to the Course Coordinator, together with evidence of your prior learning. If the Course Coordinator agrees that your prior learning meets part of the requirements of the course, she will discuss with you the work and assessment which remains to be done. The application form is then completed with these details and returned to the School of Midwifery. No fee is required. The Midwifery Assessment Committee considers the Course Coordinator s recommendation and notifies you of the decision. Note for International students International students may apply for credit and partial exemption but are not required to pay the application fee and are not eligible 6
for any refunds as a result of credit being granted. It may not be possible for an international student to enrol in courses in another level from that which they are currently completing e.g. enrolled in year one but wishing to enrol into a second year course because of credit granted. In these situations there are specific issues related to residency and enrolment requirements that must be discussed with the International Office. What do I do now? There will be an RPL workshop during the first Year One Intensive in Dunedin where Course Coordinators and the Student Advisor will be available for questions about courses or the process. If you are further along in the programme and think you think you might be eligible please contact the Student Advisor Kerrie Wilson. 7
Bachelor of Midwifery course descriptions BM101103 Midwifery Ways of Knowing 1 Aims To enable the students to understand concepts and theories upon which sustainable midwifery practice is based, in Aotearoa /New Zealand. To enable students to search and access relevant information and develop an awareness of research and critiquing skills. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain ways in which midwifery knowledge has developed. 2. Evaluate the impact of underpinning philosophies of midwifery on the childbirth experiences of women and the development of midwifery knowledge. 3. Reflect on sustainability as a concept that informs the practice of midwifery as both a philosophical approach and a practice based strategy. 4. Describe research methodologies used in midwifery. Content Definition of midwifery; Origins of midwifery knowledge; The philosophy of midwifery; The history of midwifery in New Zealand and internationally Sustainability as a philosophical approach and strategy for midwifery practice; An overview of the research process; Overview of research paradigms and methodologies; Information sources; Searching strategies; Strategies/tools used to critique research. 8
BM102103 Midwifery Assessment and Practice Skills Aims To enable students to develop midwifery practice and assessment skills. To enable students to develop midwifery partnerships with women and effective professional relationships with peers and colleagues. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Communicate effectively with women and their families/whanau, peers and colleagues. 2. Safely perform a range of selected practice and assessment skills and outline their underlying theories and rationale. 3. Accurately perform drug calculations and safely administer medication. Content Communication and relationship building; Safety in the midwifery practice environment; Assessment, monitoring and practice skills; Mindful resource management; The anatomy of the breast, physiology of lactation and the composition of breast milk; Accessing community support for breastfeeding. 9
BM102203 Sharing the Woman s Experience of Childbirth Aims To introduce students to the culture of childbirth in Aotearoa/New Zealand and community support for childbearing women and families including the provision of childbirth and parenting education. To recognise the individual realities of childbirth for women and their families by sharing the continuum of their maternity experience. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand childbirth as a normal life event which occurs within diverse social and cultural contexts. 2. Establish culturally safe relationships with women and their families. 3. Describe the theories of human growth and development with application to midwifery practice 4. Identify community groups that support local social sustainability of women and their families. 5. Achieve the Midwifery Council of New Zealand competencies at a first year level. Content Developmental theories which encompass physical, cognitive and socio-cultural aspects of the human life span with a focus on adolescent and adult development Preparation for childbirth and parenting education; adult learning and teaching; principles; information sharing; Continuum of the childbirth experience from preconception or discovery of pregnancy, through to completion of pregnancy and post-birth care; The midwife/ woman relationship that underpins the partnership model of midwifery practice in Aotearoa/New Zealand; Social contexts that influence women s experiences of childbirth in Aotearoa/New Zealand. 10
BM104103 Women in Aotearoa New Zealand Aims To create an awareness of the importance of culture as a critical component in the delivery of midwifery care. To introduce students to contemporary analyses of gender and power in relation to ethnicity, sexuality, body image, personal relationships, work, welfare, education and popular culture. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and reflect on their own culture, assumptions, values and attitudes towards others. 2. Identify contemporary issues for women and their families in Aotearoa/ New Zealand. 3. Recognise and discuss the connections between gender and power in relation to the social context of women in Aotearoa New Zealand. 4. To make links between personal, community and global issues and reflect on personal sustainability as a midwifery student. Content Defining culture and identity; Cultural diversity and cultural change; Culture and health; Theories of power; Cultural constructions of gender; Women in the global economy; Historical and cultural perspectives on the family; Women and sexuality; Body image and the beauty industry; Women and disability; Representations of women in media, art and science; Global initiatives and new values in sustainability; Women in rural communities. 11
BM105103 Bioscience Foundations Aims To enable students to develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of human body systems including the biological principles that govern the homeostatic functioning of the human body. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the anatomy of the human body. 2. Describe the physiology of body systems and structures. 3. Use scientific concepts and vocabulary appropriately. 4. Identify the beneficial and harmful effects of micro-organisms in both hospital and community situations. 5. Describe homeostatic processes. Content Consideration of the cellular basis for the physiology and anatomy of humans; How cells are organised into tissues, organs and systems including the integumentary, nervous, endocrine, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, renal and reproductive systems; Where tissues/organs/systems are located (anatomy) and their specific functions (physiology) in maintaining equilibrium (homeostasis) within the body; Scientific concepts and vocabulary appropriate for midwifery practice; Microbiology and its application to midwifery practice. 12
BM106103 Hauora Māori Aims To enable the students to explore both historical and contemporary concepts of Hauora Māori and Te Ao Māori within the framework of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and examine the implications for the delivery of midwifery and maternity services for Māori. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe and discuss the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi to contemporary midwifery practice in Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu/New Zealand. 2. Describe concepts of Te Ao Māori including Hauora Māori, tikaka/tikanga Māori/whanau/hapu and their relationship to midwifery practice. 3. Recognise the diversity of whanau and the implications for hauora/health. Content Te Tiriti o Waitangi education workshop and Kai Tahu/Ngai Tahu perspectives. 1 The impact of colonisation and urbanisation on Māori birthing practices, childcare practices, birth outcomes and Māori health and wellbeing. Contemporary Māori demographics and health and maternity needs. The diversity of Māori realities in New Zealand society. Concepts of Hauora Māori and Te Ao Māori, e.g. tikanga/tikaka/whanau/hapu/iwi/tapu/tangi. Māori health providers/initiatives. 1 Where Tiriti ō Waitangi education is being delivered to groups of students outside of the Kai Tahu/Ngāi Tahu Rohe, the perspective of the local Iwi will be presented. 13
BM103103 Integrated Midwifery Practice 1 Aims To enable students to integrate knowledge and skills acquired and apply these to midwifery practice situations. To provide opportunities for decision making within midwifery practice. Learning Outcomes At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Integrate midwifery skills and evidence within practice. 2. Reflect on and evaluate midwifery practice. 3. Communicate effectively with peers. Content There is no new content for the purposes of this course. However, students will be expected to draw upon all of the learning that they have engaged in throughout year 1. 14
Examples of previously approved courses for RPL Otago Polytechnic course BM102203 Sharing the Woman s Experience (Partial Exemption only) BM104103- Women in Aotearoa New Zealand BM105103- Bioscience Foundations BM105203- Nutrition in Pregnancy and Childbirth BM106103- Hauora Māori (Partial Exemption only) Previously approved course/ experience Human Growth and Development at tertiary level portfolio may be required Massey: 176101- Introductory Sociology; UCOL: NF102- Culture and Families in Aotearoa UCOL: NS121 Human Biology for Nursing SIT: BN541 - Human Biology for Nursing Otago University: BIOL115 Human Reproduction and Development HUBS191- Human Body Systems1 & HUBS192- Human Body Systems2; Any year-long Level 5 Human biology paper will be considered Otago University: HUNT313- Lifecycle Nutrition UCOL: NF302- Māori and Cultural Diversity in Aotearoa; Massey: 150202- Hauora Tangata: Māori Health 15