What are effective ways to support competency-based education?

1 Define clear competencies

The first step to support CBE is to define the competencies that you want your learners to achieve. Competencies are the measurable and observable abilities that learners need to demonstrate in order to complete a task or solve a problem. You can use existing frameworks, such as the Common Core State Standards or the 21st Century Skills, to guide your competency development. You should also align your competencies with your learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and curriculum design.

3 Design authentic and interdisciplinary projects

The third step to support CBE is to design authentic and interdisciplinary projects that challenge and motivate your learners. Authentic projects are those that relate to real-world situations and problems, and require learners to apply their competencies in meaningful ways. Interdisciplinary projects are those that involve multiple disciplines and perspectives, and require learners to integrate their competencies across different domains. You can use project-based learning, problem-based learning, or inquiry-based learning as pedagogical strategies to implement authentic and interdisciplinary projects.

4 Facilitate collaborative and reflective learning

The fourth step to support CBE is to facilitate collaborative and reflective learning among your learners. Collaborative learning is the process of working together with others to achieve a common goal or produce a shared product. Reflective learning is the process of thinking critically and creatively about one's own learning process and outcomes. You can use cooperative learning, peer feedback, or online discussion forums as tools to foster collaborative and reflective learning. You can also model and guide your learners on how to collaborate and reflect effectively.

5 Assess competencies in multiple ways

The fifth step to support CBE is to assess competencies in multiple ways, using both formative and summative methods. Formative assessment is the ongoing process of gathering and using evidence of learning to provide feedback and support to learners. Summative assessment is the final process of evaluating and reporting the achievement of learning outcomes. You can use rubrics, portfolios, or performance tasks as examples of competency-based assessment methods. You should also involve your learners in the assessment process, by setting clear expectations, providing self-assessment and peer-assessment opportunities, and encouraging them to use feedback for improvement.

6 Celebrate and recognize achievements

The sixth and final step to support CBE is to celebrate and recognize the achievements of your learners, both individually and collectively. Celebrating and recognizing achievements can boost learners' motivation, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as foster a positive and supportive learning community. You can use badges, certificates, or showcases as ways to celebrate and recognize achievements. You can also provide constructive and specific praise, and acknowledge the efforts and progress of your learners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?