Competency-based education (CBE) has emerged as a transformative model in higher
education, focusing on the demonstration of skills and knowledge rather than time spent in a classroom. This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, ensuring that they master specific competencies—skills, knowledge, and abilities—before moving on to the next level. Unlike traditional higher education, which is structured around credit hours and semesters, CBE is built on measurable learning outcomes and mastery. It is particularly well-suited to adult learners, career changers, and students seeking flexibility in their educational journey.
Why is Competency-Based Education Important?
The shift towards CBE is driven by the need for education systems to align more closely with the requirements of the modern workforce. In a competitive job market, employers are looking for graduates who possess specific, demonstrable skills. CBE meets this demand by ensuring that students acquire a clearly defined set of competencies before they complete their programs. According to the American Institutes for Research, CBE can help close the skills gap by emphasizing real-world application and performance over theoretical knowledge (AIR, 2016). Furthermore, CBE offers a more personalized learning experience, allowing students to accelerate through areas where they are already proficient and spend more time on challenging concepts.
Key Factors in Designing a Competency-Based Education Program
Designing a CBE program involves several key considerations, each crucial to the program's success:
Defining Clear Competencies: The foundation of any CBE program is a well-defined set of competencies. These should be specific, measurable, and aligned with industry standards. The Lumina Foundation's research emphasizes the importance of collaborating with employers and industry leaders when developing competencies to ensure relevance (Lumina Foundation, 2017).
Assessment of Mastery: CBE relies on robust assessment methods to ensure students have mastered each competency. This can include performance-based assessments, portfolios, and practical projects. A study by RAND Corporation highlights that formative assessments, which provide feedback throughout the learning process, are particularly effective in CBE environments (RAND Corporation, 2015).
Flexible Learning Pathways: To accommodate diverse learners, CBE programs should offer flexible delivery modes, such as online modules or hybrid courses. This flexibility is especially beneficial for working adults or those with family responsibilities. Research published in The Journal of Competency-Based Education found that flexibility is a key factor in improving retention and completion rates in CBE programs (JCB, 2019).
Successful Examples from US Community Colleges
Several community colleges across the United States have adopted CBE to better serve their student populations. For example, Salt Lake Community College in Utah offers CBE programs in fields like Business Management and Cybersecurity. These programs have been successful due to their focus on practical skills that align with regional industry needs. Similarly, Sinclair Community College in Ohio has developed a robust CBE framework in partnership with local employers, allowing students to gain workplace-relevant skills at their own pace. These colleges serve as models for how CBE can be tailored to local labor markets, providing students with a direct pathway to employment.
Benefits of Competency-Based Education for Students
The benefits of CBE for students are numerous. First, it offers a more personalized learning experience. Students can progress through material at a pace that suits their needs, whether that means accelerating through familiar content or taking additional time with challenging concepts. This flexibility can lead to greater student satisfaction and a more efficient path to degree completion.
Second, CBE often results in reduced time to graduation, which translates into lower overall costs for students. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students in CBE programs can complete their degrees up to 30% faster than those in traditional programs (NCES, 2018). This is particularly advantageous for working adults who are balancing education with other commitments.
Finally, CBE’s emphasis on real-world skills provides students with a clearer understanding of how their education applies to their chosen careers. Graduates of CBE programs often enter the job market with a portfolio of demonstrated competencies, making them more attractive to employers who value job-ready skills. This alignment between education and employment outcomes is a significant advantage in a competitive job market.
Conclusion
Competency-based education represents a promising shift in higher education, emphasizing mastery of skills over seat time and offering a more flexible, student-centered approach to learning. By focusing on clear competencies, rigorous assessments, and personalized learning pathways, CBE can bridge the gap between education and employment, making it an ideal choice for today’s diverse student populations. With successful models already in place at community colleges across the United States, CBE has the potential to reshape the future of higher education, offering students a more efficient and relevant pathway to their career goals.
Looking for an evaluator to assess the benefits of your institution's competency-based education program? Please contact Shaffer Evaluation Group at seg@shafferevaluation.com for a free 30-minute consultation.
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