Competency-based education: students advance through material independently upon demonstrating content mastery¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (2 for, 1 mixed) · 2 studies (1 causal, 1 associational), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The article defines competency-based education as a model in which "students move through material independently, advancing when they demonstrate content mastery." Proponents view competency-based approaches as a potential solution to student demand for flexible, career-relevant programs and to employer demand for skilled workers. The evaluated instantiation was a set of online competency-based information technology programs offered by a consortium of three community colleges under a federal TAACCCT grant.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Programs must allow students to advance when they demonstrate content mastery rather than on seat time.

Constraints¶

• In the evaluated community college context, the model appeared best suited for mature, academically well-prepared students.

Target Learners¶

• community college students
• adult workers seeking re-employment and training

Target Learning Objectives¶

• demonstration of content mastery
• completion of career-relevant credentials

Claims¶

• A three-college consortium successfully implemented online competency-based programs as planned, meeting most implementation milestones and outcome targets [+W]
• Gatekeeper course completion rates were slightly lower for CBE participants than for comparison students, and credential completion differences varied by college [~W]
• Consortium-wide, 35 percent of participants completed a grant-funded program of study, with high employment rates and wage growth above the national average [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Competency-based education as a mastery-advancement model addressing flexibility and workforce-skill demands
• Competency-based education defined by variable-time mastery of measurable competencies
• Competency-based education measures learning rather than class time, letting students progress at a flexible pace upon demonstrating mastery

Examples¶

• Competency-based information technology program models in three community colleges
• Evaluate CBE programs against both implementation milestones and participant outcome targets, including comparison benchmarks
• Mastery Progression
• Mastery Based Progression
• Competency Based Progression
• Mastery Learning
• Competency Based Learning
• Mastery Based Retesting
• Game-Based Mastery Learning (e.g., Duolingo Pattern)

Key Sources¶

• Person, A. E., Thomas, J., & Goble, L. (2016). Implementation and Outcomes of Competency-Based Education in Three Community Colleges: Findings from the Comprehensive Evaluation of a TAACCCT Grant (Executive Summary). Oakland, CA: Mathematica Policy Research. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/implementation-and-outcomes-of-competencybased-education-in-three-community-colleges-findings