In the traditional education system, students are often measured by their performance on tests and assignments over a fixed period, whether or not they have fully understood the concepts being taught. This approach to learning has been the norm for decades, but it doesn’t always address the diverse needs and paces at which different students learn. It can leave gaps in understanding and create a focus on grades rather than genuine mastery of the subject matter.

This is where competency-based learning (CBL) comes in. Unlike traditional methods, CBL shifts the focus from simply completing courses to making sure that students have a practical application of their knowledge and skills. In other words, it’s not just about what you know, but what you can do with what you know.

Competency-Based Curriculum: What’s in It?

A competency-based curriculum is built around skills or learning outcomes. Everything you learn is tied to practical, real-world abilities. For example, if you’re training to be a web developer, instead of taking exams on coding theories, you’d have to build websites or apps to show you know what you’re doing.

This isn’t just about understanding concepts from books or lectures. You have to prove that you can perform tasks or solve problems related to the field. It’s action-based, not just theory.

Real-world Examples of CBL 

1. Asia Society: Through the Global Cities Education Network, the Asia Society is working to bring competency-based education to more schools across the U.S. Their goal is to help cities collaborate and learn from each other, sharing the best ways to implement these new educational models.

2. EL Education: At EL Education, the focus is on more than just academics. They focus on building character alongside learning, using competency-based principles to ensure students are well-prepared not just for college, but for life in general.

3. New Tech Network: The New Tech Network takes a hands-on approach with project-based learning. By integrating competency-based education, they aim to help students develop skills like critical thinking and teamwork, which are important for solving real-world problems.

How Competency-Based Assessments Work

Competency-based assessments focus on demonstrating what you can do with the knowledge that you possess. You might be asked to complete a project, handle real-world tasks, or solve problems that are directly tied to the competency you’re learning.

And it’s not a one-time thing. These assessments are often continuous, meaning you get feedback as you go. 

Pros & Cons

Competency-based education comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of both:

Pros:

1. Flexible: One of the key advantages is the flexibility it offers to students of all backgrounds, regardless of their prior knowledge or literacy levels. This personalized approach allows students to move at their own speed.

2. Promotes Fairness: By shifting the focus to skills and competencies instead of traditional grades, this approach helps level the playing field. It reduces bias and creates a more fair learning environment for all students, regardless of their background.

3. Real-World Preparation: Competency-based learning makes sure students are building real, practical skills they’ll need in practical life. It’s less about memorizing facts and more about applying what they know to solve problems, making them better equipped for real-world challenges.

4. Encourages Responsibility: Students aren’t just passing tests; they’re taking charge of their learning journey. By mastering specific skills, they become more independent learners, which sets them up for lifelong success.

Cons:

1. Defining What Matters: One of the trickiest parts is figuring out which skills or competencies are the most important for each subject. It’s a detailed process that can take a lot of time and thought to get right.

2. Creative Assessments Required: Unlike traditional exams, competency-based learning demands assessments that show what a student can do. This means teachers need to come up with more meaningful and creative ways to measure learning.

3. Constant Teacher Attention: Teachers need to keep a close eye on every student’s progress, stepping in when someone’s falling behind. This extra monitoring can add to their workload, especially if multiple students struggle to meet their goals on time.

Why Choose Competency-Based Learning Over Traditional Learning?

In a traditional education system, the learning schedule is predetermined. Every student is expected to follow the same pace, regardless of whether they’ve fully understood the subject or topic. The approach assumes that all students of a certain age should be learning the same things, at the same rate, in the same order. This system doesn’t always consider individual learning differences.

In contrast, competency-based education (CBE) is more personalized. Instead of moving forward based on time or age, students advance once they’ve demonstrated they’ve mastered the subject matter. This flexible approach means that each learner can receive tailored support, allowing them to progress at their own pace. It ensures that no one is left behind just because the class is moving ahead.

In CBE, grades are more transparent and focused on performance. Instead of just being given a percentage or a letter grade, students receive feedback based on how well they’ve demonstrated specific competencies. Teachers assess progress through personalized, meaningful assessments that go beyond simple tests, helping both students and parents clearly see where the student excels and where more focus is needed. This method removes a lot of the bias that can be present in traditional grading systems, offering a clearer picture of a student’s capabilities.

The Future of Competency-Based Learning

Competency-based education helps students focus on their ability to master specific skills and concepts, fostering a culture of fairness and inclusion. This approach allows the students to truly understand what is being taught.

At Oasis International School, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also preparing students with the life skills they need to thrive in the world beyond our walls. While the transition to competency-based learning does come with its challenges—such as the need for more creative assessments and continuous teacher involvement—the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. Students develop a deeper understanding of the material, feel more accountable for their learning, and are better prepared for future success.

At Oasis, we are committed to overcoming these challenges and helping our students build a strong foundation for life. Get in touch with us to know more.