Competency-based education is a learning approach where the focus is on the student’s ability to grasp the subject at their own pace and demonstrate such observable skills. Reviews by various online tutors on the experiences at tutoring Chatswood show that competency-based education is the latest trend in the education sector. To fully understand this approach, we will discuss the elements of the learning approach and its benefits. We will also review some of the pros and cons of the learning approach to make it easier for you to decide on your ideal learning approach.
Elements of competency-based education
1. Multiple learning formats
The focus of competency-based education is on the learner. That is why it offers multiple learning methods and platforms. Online learning is becoming more popular with this learning approach. But it also applies to classroom learning. It is also a practical learning approach that makes understanding various concepts easier.
2. Enhances development of responsiveness, real-life skills, and disposition
In this learning mode, the teacher is only a facilitator, unlike the traditional learning methods where the teacher is the only source of content and information. Students learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills early. This will influence their career and life.
3. Explicit and measurable learning experiences
Learning experience based on competencies makes learning objectives more transparent. Tutors can instill knowledge better since the students understand the result expectations. More engagement and interactions enhance the learning process.
4. Student advance to the next level based on demonstration mastery of content
The tutor can access the student program and offer relevant support to them according to their needs. It is easy to achieve learning objectives with this learning approach.
Benefits of Competency-Based Education
· Skills-based curriculum
Students get training on real-life skills that they need in their specific careers. That helps them become experts in their field of study because they get all the relevant information to their field of study.
· Flexibility
Students can get into the competence-based education at any level provided their credits allow. There are no schedules on program end dates giving students ample periods to learn. The learning process depends on the time they complete assessments and other competency assignments.
· High-level engagement
Due to student empowerment and ownership of the learning process, they engage the tutors more; hence fast learning is possible. Due to individualized learning, a tutor may use the best approach depending on individual student capabilities. That way, the tutor engages more with all students, making it possible for all learners to participate and achieve their goals.
· Accommodates different learning paces
Competency-based education is self-paced. Students will pace their learning depending on their capabilities, and independent students can complete a course even faster.
Competency-based education also has challenges. Tutors face challenges in formulating the ideal competencies for their students. They also have challenges in knowing the best to assess all learners and offer individual support. But overall, competency-based education helps reduce inefficiency, offers all learners a level ground to learn, and enhances student achievement at the end of the learning process.
The focus of competency-based education is on the learner. That is why it offers multiple learning methods and platforms. Online learning is becoming more popular with this learning approach. But it also applies to classroom learning. It is also a practical learning approach that makes understanding various concepts easier.
Due to student empowerment and ownership of the learning process, they engage the tutors more; hence fast learning is possible. Due to individualized learning, a tutor may use the best approach depending on individual student capabilities. That way, the tutor engages more with all students, making it possible for all learners to participate and achieve their goals.
