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A Complete Guide to Competency-Based Education (CBE)

A Complete Guide to Competency-Based Education (CBE)

Last Updated On: 08/08/2024

Joel Vas

School Owner

Competency-Based Education (CBE) is rapidly transforming the education landscape, shifting from traditional methods to a more outcomes-focused approach. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 spearheads this transformation in India, emphasising the need to move away from rote learning towards a system where students achieve specific competencies. 

Various Indian school boards, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE), have progressively adopted this outcomes-based approach to improve education quality. In 2020, CBSE announced changes to their examination system, including 20% objective type questions, 20% case-based/source-based integrated questions, and 60% short/long answer questions, to move towards a more competency-based assessment.

 

Key Questions to Guide Competency-Based Education

Implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) requires a deep understanding of various critical elements. Here are the key questions that guide the effective implementation of CBE and help schools align their educational practices with desired learning outcomes.

  1. What are the expected achievements after the learning process?
    Learning outcomes define the specific skills and knowledge that students should demonstrate upon completing their education, ensuring a focused and purpose-driven educational process.
  2. What must students learn to achieve these outcomes?
    A well-structured curriculum selects relevant content and builds upon prior knowledge, gradually progressing towards more complex concepts to meet the defined learning outcomes.
  3. Which teaching methods and classroom activities will facilitate these outcomes?
    Effective pedagogy uses engaging strategies such as project-based learning, group discussions, and hands-on activities to actively involve students and support the achievement of learning outcomes.
  4. How will teachers measure student learning and how will students showcase their achievements?
    Continuous, formative assessments, including quizzes, assignments, and practical tasks, provide ongoing feedback and multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their competencies.
  5. How will teachers determine students’ levels of learning?
    Criterion-referenced testing assesses student progress based on predefined standards, ensuring that each student meets the specific competencies outlined in the learning outcomes.
  6. What do Learning Outcomes, Curriculum, Pedagogy, Assessment, and Criterion-Referenced Testing collectively represent?
    Together, these elements form the backbone of Competency-Based Education (CBE), creating a cohesive educational framework that ensures students acquire and apply knowledge effectively.

What is Competency-Based Education (CBE)?

Competency-Based Education (CBE) is a structured approach that focuses on ensuring students achieve specific competencies through a cohesive educational framework. Unlike traditional education, which often emphasises time spent in class, CBE prioritises mastery of skills and knowledge. It includes:

  • Curriculum Design: Tailored to ensure students acquire the essential knowledge and skills needed to meet defined learning outcomes.
  • Teaching and Learning: Uses personalised instruction to cater to individual student needs, incorporating interactive and engaging teaching methods.
  • Assessment: Focuses on continuous, formative assessments to provide ongoing feedback and support student improvement.

Difference Between Competency-Based Learning and Traditional Learning

Competency-Based Learning and Traditional Learning differ significantly in their approach to education, progression, and assessment.

Focus

  • Competency-Based Learning: The major focus is on mastering specific skills and knowledge necessary for real-world application.
  • Traditional Learning: Emphasis is placed on covering a broad curriculum within a set timeframe, often prioritising content coverage over depth of understanding.

Progression

  • Competency-Based Learning: Students progress to new topics only after demonstrating mastery of the current topic.
  • Traditional Learning: Students advance based on age or time spent in class, regardless of whether they have mastered the material.

Assessment

  • Competency-Based Learning: Utilises continuous, formative assessments to provide ongoing feedback and support student growth.
  • Traditional Learning: Relies heavily on summative assessments at the end of units or terms to gauge understanding.

Instruction

  • Competency-Based Learning: Instruction is personalised to meet the individual needs of each student, often involving project-based and experiential learning.
  • Traditional Learning: Instruction is typically standardised, with the same content delivered to all students in a similar manner.

Skill Development

  • Competency-Based Learning: Focuses on developing specific competencies and life skills essential for success in the real world.
  • Traditional Learning: Emphasises broad academic knowledge, sometimes at the expense of practical skills.

Student Engagement

  • Competency-Based Learning: High levels of engagement through interactive, student-centered learning activities.
  • Traditional Learning: Engagement can vary widely, often depending on the teaching style and curriculum.

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Key Characteristics of Competency-Based Education

Focus on Learning Outcomes

Competency-Based Education prioritises learning outcomes over rote memorization. Students are expected to understand and apply their knowledge, rather than just recalling facts. This approach ensures that education is meaningful and relevant to students’ future careers and life experiences.

Mastery-Based Progression

In CBE, students move forward only after they have demonstrated mastery of a topic. This ensures that all students achieve a high level of competency before progressing, reducing gaps in understanding and promoting deeper learning.

Assessment for Learning

Ongoing, competency-based assessments provide continuous feedback, helping students identify areas for improvement. This approach supports a growth mindset and encourages students to take an active role in their learning.

Development of Life Skills

NEP 2020 emphasises the development of essential life skills alongside academic knowledge. Competency-Based Education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

 

Benefits of Implementing Competency-Based Education for Schools

Implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE) offers numerous benefits for both students and teachers, fostering a more effective and personalised learning environment.

For Students

  • Equity in Education: Ensures all students reach their full potential regardless of their starting point.
  • Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Prepares students for real-life challenges.
  • Personalised Teaching-Learning: Tailors education to individual needs.
  • Improved Engagement and Motivation: Keeps students interested and invested in their learning.
  • Flexibility: Allows students to learn at their own pace.

For Teachers

  • Enhanced Teaching Practices: Encourages innovative and effective teaching methods.
  • Outcome-Oriented Planning: Focuses on achieving specific competencies.
  • Professional Growth: Offers opportunities for continuous professional development.
  • Collaboration and Innovation: Fosters a collaborative learning environment.
  • Individualised Instruction: Supports personalised learning for each student.

How LEAD Adheres to NEP’s Competency-Based Education Guidelines

At LEAD, we are committed to aligning with NEP’s guidelines for Competency-Based Education. Our curriculum development is focused on achieving specific learning outcomes. We use a variety of instructional strategies to ensure that all students can reach their full potential. Our assessment practices are designed to provide continuous feedback, helping students master the competencies required for success.

LEAD’s pedagogy emphasises personalised learning paths, allowing students to progress at their own pace. We employ innovative teaching methods that engage students and foster a love for learning. Our teachers are trained to use formative assessments to guide instruction and provide the support each student needs to succeed.

Examples of Competency-Based Education

LEAD Group has successfully implemented Competency-Based Education in several schools, achieving remarkable results. Here are a few examples:

Dr. Beena C.A., Principal, McLeods English School, Wayanad, Kerala

Dr. Renu Gehlawat, Principal, S A Jain Senior Model School in Ambala, Haryana

Shimjith Damu, Manager, McLeods English School, Wayanad, Kerala

Anthony Reddy, Chairman, St. Anthony's and St. Peter's Group of Schools, Sangareddy

Rohini Lad, Principal, Kunjir Public School, Pune, Maharashtra

Competency-Based Education is the future of learning, ensuring that every student achieves their full potential. By focusing on mastery of skills and knowledge, we can create a more equitable and effective education system. LEAD Group is proud to be at the forefront of this educational revolution, helping schools implement CBE and improve learning outcomes for all students.

Explore more about Competency-Based Education with LEAD Group and see how we can help your school achieve excellence in education.

Joel Vas

Joel Vas is the Regional Account Manager at LEAD. Along with procuring a masters degree from T. A. Pai Management Institute, he has 7 years of experience across BFSI, Travel and Edtech industries. At LEAD, he ensures every parent knows the information and product benefits involved for their child.

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24/07/2024

Joel Vas

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