Competency-based Education (CBE) (2024)

FAQs

Is competency-based education effective? ›

It prepares students for the future as they get options for flexible learning that helps them grow. Furthermore, the competency-based learning model can improve productivity and cost-effectiveness, empower educators by making accurate assessment possible, and support professional development.

Weaknesses (Cons) Of Competency-Based Learning

It is also not seen as suitable for situations where new skills and new knowledge need to be rapidly accommodated. There is a focus on employer needs rather than on the longer-term outlook of learners, with less focus on preparing them for an uncertain future.

One of the strongest outcomes of competency based education is increased student engagement. Students are more engaged in the material because they have ownership over their learning. They are empowered because they have control over when, where and how they learn.

The main differences between CBE and traditional education models are as follows: Mastery vs. Seat Time: We have observed that traditional education often relies on the completion of credit hours or seat time as a measure of progress while the focus of CBE is on mastery of competencies.

CBC's core competencies foster holistic development by emphasising skills that are essential not only in academics but also in life. This allows learners to become well-rounded individuals at school and at home. Learners learn critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyse problems and find innovative solutions.

Taking a 'one size fits all' approach poses a significant limitation to competency-based assessment within the clinical environment. The key limitation being failure to factor in the differing levels of a practitioner's knowledge, skills and experience (Franklin and Melville 2015).

Disadvantages of competency-based learning

Some of the drawbacks include the following: Lack of structure: For some students, the lack of structure in competency-based learning can be challenging. With a set schedule or timeline, students may be able to stay on track and meet their goals.

Disadvantages of using a competency framework

They can be considered to focus too much on the past and not keeping up with rapidly changing environments. Can be hard to understand and use. It focuses too much on creating employees who are alike rather than praising individuality in roles.

Approach assessment developmentally with multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency. Use different levels of supervision/oversight. Use multiple assessors over time. Direct observation is important across the curriculum.

AACN defines competency-based education as “a system of instruction, assessment, feedback, self-reflection, and academic reporting that is based on students demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge, attitudes, motivations, self-perceptions, and skills expected of them as they progress through their education. ...

What is the main characteristic of competency based education CBE? ›

Competency-based education (CBE) is characterized by several key features. Firstly, CBE focuses on performance and individual needs, providing immediate learner feedback. Secondly, it determines performance competencies based on work analysis and sets measurable goals using performance standards as a reference.

The competency-based education (CBE) approach allows students to advance based on their ability to master a skill or competency at their own pace regardless of environment. This method is tailored to meet different learning abilities and can lead to more efficient student outcomes.

Competency-based learning or Competency based Education (CBE) is an outcome‐based approach to education to ensure proficiency in learning by students through demonstration of the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required for dealing with real life situations at the age and grade appropriate level.

Instead of the conventional model of all students working on the same skill for the same amount of time throughout a lesson or unit, competency based education allows students to progress to new skills as soon as they have demonstrated mastery of the skill at hand.

The education sector considered that it was equally important to promote knowledge application as it was to promote its acquisition. The implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum emphasised what learners were expected to do rather than what they were expected to know.

The level of teacher competence, including their ability to manage learning materials, deliver effective instruction, and use innovative teaching methods, directly impacts student achievement .