Perspectives on Teaching and Learning

CBE - Competency Based Education

By Celeste Skinner, Medical Assistant program (SAT)
One of the current buzzwords in education is CBE Competency Based Education. The
Glossary of Education Reform by Great Schools Partnership defines CBE as systems of
instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that are based on
students demonstrating that they have learned the knowledge and skills they are expected to
learn as they progress through their education. (Abbott) This also goes on to explain that the
overall goal of this method of learning is to ensure that students are actually acquiring the
knowledge and skills that are deemed to be essential to success in their education, career, and
adult life. If students are unable to meet the expected learning standards, they are able to obtain
further training and instruction until they can meet the required and expected standards of
competency. (Abbott)
In a more traditional educational format students may receive credit for a course or program
based on the time spent in that particular area of study. The passing grade obtained may be
anywhere from an A to a D. When using this traditional type of grading students given credit
for that course may have a wide disparity in the actual knowledge and skill meant to be obtained
from this area of study and learning.
The Salt Lake Community College School of Applied Technology has embraced CBE as a way
to help students succeed by applying this type of system of Competency Based learning.
As mentioned, CBE focuses on student learning rather than the amount of seat time in the
classroom. Instead of progress being measured by attendance and time spent in a classroom
or on learning materials, it is measured by the use of summative assessments that prove the
student has achieved the level of knowledge and skill necessary for a specific competency in a
given area of training. These assessments are rigorous and aligned with industry needs and
standards. It is what a student will need to know and be able to do on the job. To pass off a
competency the student must have fully met the requirements based on pre-determined and
consistent assessments that prove the required levels of skill and knowledge have been
obtained.
This methodology allows students to progress as they attain the knowledge and skills so they
can move through a course and program more quickly if they have prior knowledge of the
content or by applying themselves in a more deliberate manner. Learning materials are
available online so that the student can access them anytime. The student meets regularly with
an instructor to obtain needed support, verify course engagement and progress, practice skills
and eventually pass off the competency. This process gives the student the ability to save both
time and money.
The Faculty Teaching and Learning Center (FTLC) allows faculty members to participate in
Teaching Circles to gain insight into new teaching strategies, interaction with peers, and
acquisition of knowledge and skills using new ideas or technologies. Through the participation
in a Teaching Circle it would be possible to learn more about how to transition a new or current
course into a Competency Based model as we have done in the School of Applied Technology.

More detailed research into defining learning objectives and how to tie them to a competency
while also determining the best way to assess the attainment of that competency can be done in
a Learning Circle as greater understanding of this form of education is obtained. It is a great
benefit to have access to this type of opportunity as a SLCC faculty member.
Resources:
Abbott, S. (2014, May 14). Competency-Based Learning. Retrieved August 15, 2015, from
http://edglossary.org/competency-based-learning/
Competency Based Education @ SLCC (SAT). (2015).
Clarifying Competency Based Education Terms
American Council on Education (ACE)
Blackboard
Principles for Developing Competency-Based Education Programs by Sally Johnstone
and Louis Soares
Hidden curriculum (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform.
Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/hidden-curriculum