Competency-based learning

Competency-based learning or competency-based education is a framework for teaching and

assessment of learning. It is also described as a type of education based on predetermined "competencies,"
which focuses on outcomes and real-world performance.[1] Competency-based learning is sometimes
presented as an alternative to traditional methods of assessment in education.[2]

Concept
In a competency-based education framework, students demonstrate their learned knowledge and skills in
order to achieve specific predetermined "competencies."[3] The set of competencies for a specific course or
at a specific educational institution is sometimes referred to as the competency architecture.[4] Students are
generally assessed in various competencies at various points during a course, and usually have the
opportunity to attempt a given competency multiple times and receive continuous feedback from
instructors.[5][6]

Key concepts that make up the competency-based education framework include demonstrated mastery of a
competency, meaningful types of assessment, individualized support for students, and the creation and
application of knowledge.[7]

Methodology
In a competency-based learning model, the instructor is required to identify specific learning outcomes in
terms of behavior and performance, including the appropriate criterion level to be used in evaluating
achievement.[8] Experiential learning is also an underpinning concept; competency-based learning is
learner‑focused and often learner-directed.[7][9]

The methodology of competency-based learning recognizes that learners tend to find some individual skills
or competencies more difficult than others. For this reason, the learning process generally allows different
students to move at varying paces within a course.[10] Additionally, where many traditional learning
methods use summative testing, competency-based learning focuses on student mastery of individual
learning outcomes.[11] Students and instructors can dynamically revise instruction strategies and based on
student performance in specific competencies.[12]

What it means to have mastered a competency depends on the subject matter and instructor criteria. In
abstract learning, such as algebra, the learner may only have to demonstrate that they can identify an
appropriate formula with some degree of reliability; in a subject matter that could affect safety, such as
operating a vehicle, an instructor may require a more thorough demonstration of mastery.[13][14]

Usage
Western Governors University has used a competency-based model of education since it was chartered in
1996.[15]
The Mastery Transcript Consortium is a group of public and private secondary schools which are working
to utilize competency-based learning as part of their effort to create a new type of secondary school
transcript.[16]

See also
Mastery learning – Instructional strategy and educational philosophy
Learning management system – Educational software application
Mastery Transcript Consortium – Working consortium of public and private secondary
schools

References
1. Lytras, Miltiadis D.; Pablos, Patricia Ordonez De; Avison, David; Sipior, Janice; Jin, Qun;
Filho, Walter Leal; Uden, Lorna; Thomas, Michael; Cervai, Sara (2010). Technology
Enhanced Learning: Quality of Teaching and Educational Reform: 1st International
Conference, TECH-EDUCATION 2010, Athens, Greece, May 19-21, 2010. Proceedings.
Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media. p. 504. ISBN 978-3-642-13165-3.
2. "What Is Competency-Based Learning?" (https://www.teachthought.com/learning/what-is-co
mpetency-based-learning/). TeachThought. 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
3. "Competency-Based Learning Definition" (https://www.edglossary.org/competency-based-le
arning/). The Glossary of Education Reform. 2014-01-28. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
4. "Seven Building Blocks of a Competency-Based Classroom" (https://globalonlineacademy.o
rg/insights/articles/seven-building-blocks-of-a-competency-based-classroom). GOA.
Retrieved 2020-11-08.
5. "Competency-Based Education" (https://aurora-institute.org/our-work/competencyworks/com
petency-based-education/). Aurora Institute. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
6. "Competency-Based Learning | Punahou School" (https://www.punahou.edu/academics/the-
punahou-journey/competency-based-learning). www.punahou.edu. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
7. Sturgis, Chris; Casey, Katherine (2018). Quality Principles for Competency-Based Education
(https://aurora-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Principles-Book.pdf) (PDF). Vienna,
VA: iNACOL. ISBN 978-0-692-17514-9.
8. Lattuca, Lisa R.; Stark, Joan S. (2011). Shaping the College Curriculum: Academic Plans in
Context. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-118-04720-0.
9. Kolb, David A. (2014). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and
Development, Second Edition. Upper Saddle, NJ: FT Press. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-13-389240-
6.
10. Gervais, J. (2016). "The operational definition of competency‐based education". The Journal
of Competency-Based Education. 1 (2): 98–106. doi:10.1002/cbe2.1011 (https://doi.org/10.1
002%2Fcbe2.1011).
11. "New to Competency-Based Learning? Here're Five Ways to Assess It - EdSurge News" (htt
ps://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-05-22-new-to-competency-based-learning-here-re-five-w
ays-to-assess-it). EdSurge. 2017-05-22. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
12. "From Formative Assessment to Tracking Student Mastery: The Road to Competency-Based
Instruction" (https://www.gettingsmart.com/2015/07/from-formative-assessment-to-tracking-st
udent-mastery-the-road-to-competency-based-instruction/). www.gettingsmart.com. 16 July
2015. Retrieved 2020-11-09.
13. Gene E. Hall (1976) Competency-based Education: A Process for the Improvement of
Education: Prentice-Hall
14. John Burke (1989) Competency-Based Education and Training: Routledge
15. "Competency Based Education – WGU" (http://www.wgu.edu/why_WGU/competency_base
d_approach). Western Governors University.
16. Ark, Tom Vander. "Helping Grads Tell Their Story: The Case For Extended Transcripts" (http
s://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanderark/2020/02/07/helping-grads-tell-their-story-the-case-for
-extended-transcripts/). Forbes. Retrieved 2020-11-09.

Further reading
Rivenbark, William C.; Jacobson, Willow S. (2014). "Three Principles of Competency-Based
Learning: Mission, Mission, Mission". Journal of Public Affairs Education. 20 (2): 181–192.
doi:10.1080/15236803.2014.12001781 (https://doi.org/10.1080%2F15236803.2014.120017
81). JSTOR 24369723 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/24369723). S2CID 158540996 (https://ap
i.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:158540996).
Baughman, Jacqulyn A.; Brumm, Thomas J.; Mickelson, Steven K. (2012). "Student
Professional Development: Competency-Based Learning and Assessment" (https://lib.dr.iast
ate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1665&context=abe_eng_pubs). The Journal of
Technology Studies. 38 (1/2): 115–127. doi:10.21061/jots.v38i2.a.6 (https://doi.org/10.2106
1%2Fjots.v38i2.a.6). JSTOR 43604687 (https://www.jstor.org/stable/43604687).
Burns, Richard W.; Klingstedt, Joe Lars (1972). "Introduction to Competency-Based
Education". Educational Technology. 12 (11): 9–10. JSTOR 44419593 (https://www.jstor.org/
stable/44419593).

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