Competency-Based Education Explained Simply
Recently, competency-based education has become a popular alternative to traditional learning systems. Rather than using classroom hours or semesters as a measure of progress, this new type of education uses a student’s ability to demonstrate mastery of specified skills and knowledge. The transformation from time-based education to mastery-based progression has also affected the way education is delivered in schools, universities, and professional fields.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about how competency-based learning works, its definition, its benefits, and its worldwide growth, this article will help explain it in simple terms.
What is Competency-Based Education?
If you ask “what is competency-based education?”, the answer will be a well-defined form of learning in which students are allowed to progress only after demonstrating mastery over a specific set of competencies or skills. Students progress when they can demonstrate that they have learned the topic by heart. So, mere completion of the course within a specific time frame is not enough here. Therefore, competency-based education is focused more on outcomes (what students have achieved) than on time frames (when they completed the class).
How It Differs from Traditional Education
Competency-based learning has the potential to be more effective than the traditional methods of the old education system. This is because they offer students the option of moving through the learning process at their own pace rather than having to adhere to a time schedule.
So, if a student learns quickly, he or she can advance through the course of study faster. Conversely, if he or she needs to be held back longer, they can do that. Therefore, the competency-based education vs traditional education comparison shows that the new approach ensures that the student’s educational experience will be tailored specifically to fit their needs.
Difference Between Competency-Based Education vs Traditional Education
The understanding of competency-based education vs traditional education is helpful for educators who are re-evaluating their current style of teaching. Big differences exist between these two approaches. Let’s understand them through this table.
| Parameter | Competency-Based Education | Traditional Education |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Structure | Learning is organized around competencies and specific skills that need to be mastered before moving forward with learning. | Traditional education provides students with a fixed curriculum and guides that establish predetermined timelines for courses, semesters, and classrooms. |
| Progression | Students progress through learning as they demonstrate mastery of the knowledge/skills required for progression. | Students progress through learning based on completion of a course/term, regardless of whether knowledge/skills demonstrated mastery. |
| Learning Pace | Learners learn at their own rates, allowing for accelerated timing as well as additional time as needed for learning. | All students learn at the same rate, as determined by the academic calendar. |
| Assessment Method | Performance-based assessments measure a student’s true ability to understand and apply the concept/skill being assessed. | Grades are given through assessments consisting of homework, classroom participation, and attendance. |
| Learning Outcomes | Measurable skills/competencies are anticipated outcomes of the CBE model, reflecting what individuals will need to do at work when they finish school. | Completion of a course, obtaining an award, i.e., diploma, and final overall grade are anticipated outcomes using the TE model. |
Benefits of Competency-Based Education
Competency-Based Learning models are revolutionizing the way in which students acquire knowledge and develop skills. It not only helps improve a student’s ability to perform academically, but it also enhances student engagement, improves flexibility, and prepares them to be successful in their chosen career. The benefits that students get through it include;
1. Personalized Education
It provides students with the opportunity to personalize their education so that it is tailored to meet their individual needs. Students can move through the program at their own speed and utilize their strengths as well as address their skill gaps whenever they want to.
2. Faster Learning and Progression
Students can show that they understand the material and can continue their education at their own pace without having to wait for the rest of the class. By allowing for faster progression through the course material, these programs allow learners to move through each level more quickly.
3. Improved Skill Acquisition
The focus of a traditional learning environment has always been to memorise information. In contrast, in a competency-based learning environment, the focus is on applying knowledge in reality. Learners can demonstrate their skills by completing actual projects, exams, or activities.
4. Relevance to Today’s Workforce
Modern companies want workers who have the ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, and think critically. The benefits of competency-based education programs allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge in ways that best prepare them for the workforce. It helps develop skills that employers will be looking for when hiring.
5. Flexible and Accessible
These programs offer learners the option of studying online, helping them continue learning while meeting the demands of work, family, and personal life. This flexibility allows everyone, from working professionals to students with part-time jobs, to improve their skills.
How Does Competency-Based Education Work?
Understanding how competency-based education works provides insight into why this model is becoming popular within K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and training programs. The student will progress through each of their competencies step-by-step until they have achieved all the competencies within their curriculum or program.
Step 1: Identify Competencies
The first step in competency-based education is defining the competencies for students to master. Competencies are the defined knowledge, skills, and abilities that students need to demonstrate their mastery and to be measured against academic standards or industry expectations.
Example
An example of a K-12 math competency could be that students demonstrate their ability to solve multi-step algebraic equations.
Step 2: Create Flexible Learning Paths
After establishing student competencies, the student will receive their own individual learning path to complete all of the competencies as determined by the educators. Flexibility is another reason educators cite for the value of competency-based education. Here, a student can access multiple different resources (videos, projects, digital lessons from educators) to complete the competencies.
Example
An example of this in higher education would be that the business student may use an online module, case study, simulation, etc., in order to learn financial analysis.
Conclusions
Competency-based education presents a new approach for the design and measurement of learning. This allows for Personalized learning experiences to increase student success through skills-based development.
As educational systems continue to evolve, educational institutions, educators, and other service organizations must investigate ways to implement competency-based education. This will provide better learning outcomes, increase student access to education, and prepare individuals for the constantly changing needs of today’s workforce.
FAQs
1. Can competency-based education be used in corporate training?
Competency-based education has been successfully implemented by many organizations wanting to create job-relevant training for their employees. Competency-based programs allow employees to demonstrate their skills through performance for a specific job role.
2. How do assessments work in competency-based education?
In Competency-based educational systems, assessments are used to verify that the learner has learned and mastered the content. Students complete work requirements such as projects, presentations, or required practical exercises to validate their acquisition of the required competencies and skills.
3. What role does technology play in competency-based education?
The use of technology in competency-based educational systems allows for the tracking of students’ progress. Tech is highly needed here, from customizing the educational content to analyzing students’ progress.
4. How is student progress measured in competency-based education?
The progress of the student in a competency-based educational system is measured by their demonstration of the competencies established in the objectives for the course. Here, progression is dependent upon the student’s understanding ability.
5. Does competency-based education transfer between institutions?
Some universities have policies that allow for credits acquired through a competency-based educational system to be transferred. However, others may not have this type of system in place and still follow the traditional credit hour system.