Why Competency Based Learning?

Last week, my son sat through three class periods in which the concepts covered were things he already fully understood - to him that was about 3 hours of his life he'll never get back. In two class periods, he didn't even come close to actually understanding the concepts. The next day the teacher reviewed the homework, and then went on with the next topic. The forced march, so to speak, that modern standardized state-mandated testing requires of the most well-meaning of teachers.

Today's educational model - from both the standardized testing to the seemingly ingrained show-do-test-proceed model - is it a struggle for those needing more time, and a restriction for those who could move faster if allowed. This inflexible learning environment where a “one size fits all” approach provides restrictions to many individual learners. And to suggest that we are "individualizing" the learning in such an environment is ludicrous.

This is where the potential for competency based learning can come into play and offer its benefits in future education. But, how does it work? Let's take a look.

 What is competency based learning?

This specialized kind of learning is specific to each student in a classroom. The general process is that a student would be learning at his or her own speed and would only move ahead from one lesson to the next when they were ready. Instead of the entire class moving as a single unit, each student would be able to move at his or her own pace to make sure the content is firmly grasped before moving ahead. Those that get the content quickly will be able to move faster than those who take longer, but no one will move ahead until they can demonstrate their learning.

 "Demonstrate their learning" means taking a test, right?

Wrong. While tests and quizzes are great for self-assessing one's expertise to date, competency-based learning requires that the learner demonstrate competence of the topic or skill. This should be equivalent to the "application" through "creation" levels of Bloom's Revised Taxonomy.

What are its benefits?

           As you can imagine, there are quite a few benefits to the model of competency based learning at all levels in school systems. Some of the highlights include:

·      You (and your student and their parents) will be confident in their abilities: Before moving ahead, a student (and their teachers and parents) will know without a doubt that they understand a lesson or a theory that allows them to be more confident in their own abilities. This often motivates them to continue forward and focus on the new task, even if they continue to struggle.

 ·      Everyone can move at their own pace: From Math to English to Science, every student excels at different subjects. In each class, competency based learning will allow students to move at their own pace and received a personalized education that will allow them to be more successful in the working world later in life. There is also no concern if one student needs more or less help than an other, because everyone is on their own track.

 ·      Students receive targeted help where they need it most: Whether it's one concept or the whole unit as a whole, students will be able to benefit from targeted, personalized help to give them a chance to succeed. And this time we really mean individualized learning!

Sounds good...so, what's the catch?

There are several:

• It requires a rethinking and re-architecture of assessment of learning at the state and local levels.
• It requires a near abandonment of the most loved and tried teaching methods involving group instruction.
• Assessment development is more difficult and can take more time.

But in the end, I think it's worth it. More importantly, I think our children are worth it.

What do you think? Did I miss any important points? Do you disagree? If so, why? Please comment!!