Competency based assessment, sometimes described as competence based education, concentrates on the development of skills and knowledge with a focus on real-world activities and practical applications. This is in contrast to the more traditional (theoretical) approach of building knowledge required to pass exams and acquire grades.
With a competency based approach, students progress through their educational journey at their own pace, demonstrating their competence, and taking responsibility for their learning at each stage. It is a progressive and individualised approach with clearer career alignment.
The key to the success of this approach is the refocusing of degree programmes to consider whole programme competencies – what is it that graduates of the programme should be able to ‘do’? This challenges the risks of more traditional approaches where students’ learning can become disconnected from the real world, modules can be isolated from the degree programme and focus is on ‘knowing’ rather than ‘applying’ knowledge.
Many of our colleagues here at the University successfully deliver competency based programmes that align with industry or sector standards. To find out about what we are doing you can visit our Quick Guide on Moodle - Competency Based Assessment.
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