Competency-based learning is becoming the approach of choice for many institutions due to the priority it places on mastery and individual progression. It is particularly well suited to programs catering to non-traditional students or for workplace development. At the heart of this pedagogical approach lies a backward design strategy, where educators and instructional designers start planning the course with the end in mind and then develop content and assessments, tailored to individual learners’ needs.
Competency-based education is rooted in the mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than simply completing a course or program. The approach emphasizes real-world application and measurable outcomes to prepare learners for success in the workplace and diverse contexts. Unlike traditional education models, where time-on-task often serves as the main metric of progress, competency-based learning focuses on demonstrating proficiency in the skills and values required once the learner starts applying the knowledge gained from the course.
Backward design serves as a guiding principle in competency-based learning. This strategy involves defining competencies clearly and developing assessments aligned with these outcomes. By starting with the end goals of an online course or program and working backward, we ensure that learning experiences are purposeful and targeted toward desired outcomes. At Construct, we continue to highlight how critical authentic assessments are in providing students with opportunities to demonstrate mastery in real-world scenarios.
Formative assessments serve as valuable checkpoints in the learning journey. As the goal of formative assessment is to gain detailed information to improve instruction and learning while it’s happening, it is critical to this approach. In addition, formative assessments allow learners to practice and apply their knowledge in a supportive environment. By providing timely feedback, with expert guidance, educators empower learners to progress steadily toward mastery.
One of the defining characteristics of this approach is its emphasis on personalized learning experiences. Unlike one-size-fits-all approaches, CBE tailors learning to individual needs, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Strategies for fairness and equity ensure that all learners have access to high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.
CBE is tailored to the unique needs of individual students to help them become competent thinkers with just-in-time, job-ready intellectual and technical skills. As such, demand is driven by swift-changing job requirements, adaptation needs of skilled employees, global recognition, and the need to accelerate and verify job readiness to place employees in shifting workplaces. By building a learning experience based on the competencies needed to perform in the workplace, CBE gets right to the heart of that demand.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For adult learners, where learning must fill a here-and-now need cost-effectively, recognition of prior learning holds immense significance. RPL recognizes and values the knowledge, prior qualifications, and skills acquired through life experiences. This recognition within the CBE approach enables these learners to earn credits toward their educational goals. In essence, this bridges the gap between formal education and real-world applications, making competency-based learning more accessible and relevant.
In summary, by focusing on mastery, personalization, and real-world relevance, competency-based education enables learners from diverse backgrounds to advance in a world where industry demand for new skills seems to be evolving daily. At Construct, as we refine and implement this approach, we are cognizant of the impact our development has on making online education more equitable and effective, and as such we continue to research and engage with the education community.
This blog post is made available by the author for educational purposes only and to provide general information. All views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever, to which they have been, are now, or will be affiliated. If you have a specific problem related to this topic and need advice, contact Construct Education directly.
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