Competency-based education is a method of academic instruction and evaluation based upon students demonstrating their mastery of a subject. This method focuses on having students “show what they know” and applying the concepts they’ve learned to evaluations that show they’ve truly grasped the subject.
The implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum emphasized what learners were expected to do rather than what they were expected to know. For example, it is not enough that students know the process of growing a plant; instead, they could be tasked with sprouting a plant from a bean, which allows them the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge to real- life scenarios.
1. Communication and collaboration
Language is a tool we use to exchange and convey information with others. Under this curriculum, learners are able to acquire the skill and ability to exchange with others’ thoughts, information and behavior. The Competency-Based Curriculum necessitates for collaboration in a number of learning activities. Work can be done in pairs or groups if not the entire class. This encourages learners to speak to one another and be cooperative in order to achieve a common goal.
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
One of the key outcomes of a quality education is a learner's ability to utilize the following critical thinking skills: problem-solving, making judgments and reasoning. This skill is important as it allows learners to constantly evolve their thinking and adapt in the future.
3. Imagination and creativity
A child's mind is rather creative and imaginative in their formative years. The Competency-Based Curriculum capitalizes on that aptitude. It encourages learners to convert what is in their imagination into creative materials. It also motivates learners to seek out new ideas and turn them into reality.
4. Citizenship
A community is a group of people who share a common belief or identity. This shared identity is often anchored by sub communities. The more the group of people in this community grows, the more set of values they share. Once they are governed by a political, economic, social and religious framework, they become citizens. They experience a sense of belonging and patriotism - wanting to uphold what is right and condemn wrong behavior. The Competency-Based curriculum encourages our learners to understand their role as members of a larger community.
5. Learning to learn
Learning is a never-ending endeavor. Acquiring new information allows one to become a better decision maker and problem solver. The Competency-Based Curriculum encourages our teachers to teach learners how to think and not what to think, which means learners will develop an inclination to seek new information, even outside the confines of the school system.
6. Self-efficacy
This competency ensures that learners are capable of independently completing tasks successfully. This means that a learner can take a difficult task and break it down into its smaller components for better understanding without rely heavily on their teacher. The by-product of this skill is that the learner demonstrates a high self-esteem and increased confidence.
7. Digital literacy
One advantage the current generation enjoys is being digitally savvy. Children are able to navigate their way on digital devices with ease. Digital literacy is measured by learner's ability to safely and cleverly use hardware and software technology to access information. In a world where tech becomes quickly obsolete, learners who are prepared for change adapt quicker
1. Education Gives Skills That Last a Lifetime
Competencies go beyond only what you know intellectually. They focus on your capacity to use and apply that information in practical settings. Consequently, when we discuss competencies, we take into account: Grasping Important Ideas : This refers to having a thorough comprehension of a topic's fundamental ideas. Using What You Know : Can you take what you've learned and use it to solve real-world problems? Skill Mastery : It's not just about knowledge; it's about being really good at important skills related to the topic. Interpersonal and Communication Skills : Education often involves group projects, presentations, and conversations that aid in the development of strong interpersonal and communication skills that are essential in both personal and professional situations.
2. Prioritizing Fairness in Education
Giving every student the same resources is not what constitutes fairness in the educational system. It involves making certain that each student obtains the materials they require in order to accomplish the same goals. This idea is at the heart of competency-based education, which makes it a priority to identify and get rid of biases in educational leadership. By teaching and supporting students based on their individual strengths and difficulties, the playing field is leveled for all students. As a result, academic outcomes are no longer consistent with socioeconomic level, family income, cultural background, or linguistic ability. Additionally, competency-based teaching promotes a climate in which each student feels respected, secure, and acknowledged.
3. Clarity in Objectives Empowers Student Autonomy
Clarity in Objectives Empowers Student Autonomy Let's examine why setting clear objectives is like providing pupils with their own personal educational map: Students aren't getting lost in their studies when there are clear objectives. Half the battle won because they know where they're going! Having a cheat sheet of what to expect makes things easier. Students might approach things with a "I can do this!" mentality. Learning becomes a thrilling adventure rather than a collection of random facts when kids are able to understand the larger picture (due to those distinct objectives). In addition to the regular classes, students are taught cool life skills like time management and problem-solving via specific targets. Bonus! Despite the unpredictability of life, pupils who have a feeling of purpose (due to specific aims) are better prepared to deal with whatever comes their way. In a nutshell, clear objectives are like giving students a compass for their educational journey. And who wouldn't want that?
4. Customized Help for Every Student's Journey
Students should be aware that in a competency-based educational system, they should make some effort to resolve their problems on their own before seeking assistance. The Teachers actively participate in the learning process rather than simply watching from the sidelines. They actively track each student's development and provide assistance to individual students based on their needs
5. How Teachers Measure Your Growth and Mastery
Assessments are instruments to determine how much you've learned and where you might need a little more assistance; they are not only about grades. Assessments in competency-based education are entirely focused on comprehension and development. Let's examine a few of the major types: Formative Assessments: Checking In As You Learn These serve as mini-checkpoints to monitor how you're progressing as you study. They assist teachers in identifying potential areas of difficulty so that they can offer immediate assistance. Consider that you are studying Indian history. Your teacher can ask you to create a brief film or digital presentation about Emperor Akbar after you've studied the Mughal Empire. This isn't simply to determine your grade; it's to determine how well you comprehended the subject. The teacher knows to spend a little more time on it if some kids find it challenging. Authentic Assessments: Using What You've Learned in Real Life You must apply what you have learned in these exercises to actual circumstances. They demonstrate that you have not only retained information but can also put it to use. Take for example that you have been studying English grammar and writing. Your teacher can ask you to create an official letter asking for a modification in the school timetable and address it to a fictitious principal. Or, if you've been learning the fundamentals of engineering, you can be asked to construct a bridge solely out of straws and tape. Remember, these assessments aren't about making things tough for you. They're about helping you learn better and ensuring you're ready to use your knowledge in the real world!