CBE 101

An Introduction to Competency-based

educationand the new student demographic

WHAT IS CBE?CBE is based on six critical components:

• Explicit learning outcomes with respect to the required skills and associated proficiency

• A flexible time frame to master these skills• A variety of instructional activities to facilitate learning• Criterion-referenced testing of the required outcomes• Certification based on demonstrated learning outcomes• Adaptable programs to ensure optimum learner guidance

Van der Horst & McDonald 1997:10-11

FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE

Traditional (Time-Based) Model Competency-Based Model

Jane

Billy

Sam

Johnny

A+

B

D

B-

Time Spent (fixed)

Jane

Billy

Sam

Johnny

Time Spent (variable)

Achievement varies. Achievement is fixed.

SO WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT IT NOW?

Over the next decade, adult student enrollment is expected to grow faster than “traditional age” students.

STUDENTS HAVE CHANGED.

Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

More than 1/3 of undergraduate students work full time.

STUDENTS HAVE CHANGED.

Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

Nearly a quarter of students are parents.

STUDENTS HAVE CHANGED.

Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

Traditional education doesn’t suit everyone.

Only 29% of students who start a two-year degree program finish within three years.Harvard University, Pathways to Prosperity

We have to think beyond traditional models to provide options for these learners.

There are over 30 million adults in the US with some college credit but no degree.Hechinger Report, 2014

Education unlocks opportunities for a better life.

A postsecondary degree is the key to a middle class salary.Georgetown University, Center on Education and the Workforce

Many schools are pursuing competency-based educational models to meet the needs of a changing student population.

What’s the answer?

HOWEVER ….

Challenges to CBE Adoption

“Competency-based learning has come a long

way over the past few years, but there are still

significant hurdles standing in the way of its

wider adoption.” Robert Gibson, Director of Learning

Technologies, Emporia State University

Pedagogical challenges

Technological challenges

Policy/fundingissues

Qualityconcerns

Download our new CBE eBook to learn the

five most important things you need to know right now.

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