Competency-Based Learning | Pros & Cons
Adopting a competency-based learning programme or thinking about changing how an educational institution runs entirely to reflect it is an appealing but challenging perspective. The results might be fantastic, but things could also go wrong.
What do students gain from it?
They decide how much time they can put into studying, and when to be assessed. They don't have to spend a lot of time on things they already know because of previous classes or work experience; they can get assessed right away and then move on to other learning modules.
Because their tuition is determined by evidence of proficiency rather than seat time, education will be far more inexpensive for them.
Students' retention rates increase and their academic performance increases if they can fit learning into their schedule of work and family time rather than the other way around.
Once they earn the degree, it might eventually lead to a raise, a promotion, or even a better position.
Pro – Each Student Can Work At Their Own Pace
Teachers frequently struggle to meet the varied learning demands of their pupils in a traditional classroom setting. While some students pick up on concepts quickly, others might require more time and practise. This gap can cause a variety of problems, from struggling students who feel left behind to rapid learners who become bored and uninterested. Allowing each student to study at their own pace is a solution brought about by the development of technology and personalised learning platforms.
Pro – Flexibility
Learning that is competency-based is particularly adaptable.
Students are not required to sit in class and go through material they already comprehend. They can manage their learning based on projects and other assessments, which explains why. They can advance to harder classes if it is clear that they comprehend the material well.
Since the children can complete their homework at home, communicating with their classmates would be beneficial. This is where Pedagogue comes into play. Live broadcasts, conference calls, screen shares, and a virtual whiteboard are just a few of the ways that teachers can communicate with students. As a result, instructing youngsters is both easy and engaging.
Pro – Affordability
The majority of competency-based learning programmes are created with cost effectiveness in mind. However, the price of the programme varies depending on the school that offers it and how quickly the students finish their work. In general, a student's fee will be reduced the quicker they finish the course of study.
Pro – Suitable For Adult Learners
Competency-based programmes are ideal for adult learners due of their flexibility. As there are no established hours, the students should be able to manage a work, other obligations, and studies.
The challenges for students
Although many students think competency-based education is the ideal, not all of them are suited for it.
Students must be self-directed learners, have a strong desire to succeed, and either have experience in their chosen subject of study or at least a deep interest for it. To acquire the degree they want, individuals must invest the required time and make a significant amount of effort; they cannot simply tick the box of attending select courses.
You are aware of how challenging these things can be if you have ever been a student.
Con – Competency-based Learning Can Lead To Procrastination
Competency-based learning lets students move forward when they're ready. But, without set schedules, some students might keep putting off their work. Here's a breakdown:
Why Do Some Students Delay Work?
No Set Dates: In regular schools, there are test dates that push students to study. Here, without such dates, some think, "I can do it later."
Thinking It's Easy: Some believe they can quickly finish when they start. But when they do, they find it hard.
Fear of Getting It Wrong: Some students are scared they won't understand, so they delay starting.
Con – Not Suitable For Future Needs
Competency-based learning can be a problem when there's a need to learn something new quickly. Here's a breakdown:
Time Limits: In some situations, people need to learn new things fast. Competency-based learning doesn't always work well here because it doesn't have strict deadlines.
Con – Social Learning Is Not Taken Into Account
In normal classrooms, students learn by watching and copying their friends. But in competency-based learning, everyone studies by themselves. So, they don't learn from their friends.
Group Learning: In many schools, seeing and copying friends helps students learn. But with competency-based learning, this doesn't happen.
Con – It Does Not Take Different Learning Styles Into Account
Students have different ways of learning. Some like to read, some like to listen, and others might like to do things hands-on. But competency-based learning doesn't always fit all these different ways.
One Size Doesn't Fit All: This type of learning might be easy for some students but hard for others. So, while some students do really well, others might have a tough time.
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