Top 10 Benefits of Competency Based Education for Higher Education
Competency based education (CBE) is reshaping traditional teaching and learning methods, with undeniable benefits supported by recent data. According to a survey conducted by AIR, more than 82% of respondents anticipate national growth in CBE over the next five years. In the current educational landscape, the advantages of CBE are impossible to overlook.
For decades, the educational path was linear: graduate high school, attend college, and enter the workforce. However, CBE has catalyzed a profound change, introducing new pathways that prioritize skill development, continuous learning, and career growth. This blog delves into the top 10 reasons why higher education institutions are increasingly turning to the benefits of competency-based education.
What is competency based education?
Competency Based Education (CBE) is an innovative approach to learning and skill development that prioritizes mastering specific competencies or skills rather than traditional time-based learning. In CBE, students advance based on their ability to demonstrate proficiency in predefined competencies, allowing for a more flexible and personalized learning experience. This approach is particularly effective for adult learners, non-traditional students, and those seeking to acquire practical, job-ready skills.
CBE has gained substantial traction in recent years, with a 2016 survey conducted by The American Institutes for Research and Eduventures revealing that nearly 95% of responding institutions expressed interest in various CBE activities, reflecting the widespread recognition of its benefits and adaptability to diverse learning needs and contexts.
Top 10 Benefits of Competency Based Education
The benefits of CBE could ultimately be the reason why higher education institutions are turning to it. We have picked out the top 10 ultimate reasons for you.
Personalized Learning
The strength of competency-based training lies in the fact that it puts the ownership of learning into the students and lets them meet a certain big-picture understanding. It allows students to progress at their speed. This approach acknowledges that students have different learning paces and styles. It ensures that learners truly understand and master each competency before moving on to the next, promoting deeper understanding and knowledge retention.
Flexible Scheduling
To students who have been a drop-out, but would still wish to move forward, but without a gap, CBE is a boon! With competency-based education, students do not have to waste time sitting in the classroom on things that they have already mastered. CBE lets them move on demonstrating their mastery level.
Accelerated Learning
Highly motivated and capable students can progress through CBE programs more rapidly than traditional ones. They can focus on competencies they haven't mastered yet, potentially shortening the time required to complete a degree or program.
Competency Mastery
In CBE, the emphasis is on mastering specific competencies or skills. This ensures that graduates are not just exposed to information but can demonstrate their proficiency in real-world applications, making them highly sought-after in the job market.
Real-world relevance
CBE programs are often designed in close collaboration with industry partners. This alignment with real-world needs ensures that graduates are well-prepared with practical skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable to their chosen careers.
Cost-Efficiency
CBE can be cost-effective for students. By allowing them to progress at their own pace and potentially finish courses more quickly, they can reduce tuition costs and accumulate less student loan debt. It's a financially responsible option for many learners.
Individualized Support
Amidst schools that fail to address students' critical learning gaps, knowledge, and skills, competency-based schools proactively challenge age-old practices and bring alternative systems in place to promote success for all. CBE portrays student learning in a transparent, authentic manner with enough room for personalized training. Teachers in CBE develop meaningful, engaging projects for students and work together giving feedback, revising their work to hit the mastery of standards. This personalized approach ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed.
Increased Engagement
CBE often incorporates interactive and engaging learning materials. These can include simulations, case studies, and hands-on experiences that capture students' interest and motivation, making the learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
Credentialing Flexibility & Improved Retention
In Competency-Based Education (CBE), students can earn micro-credentials and stackable certificates, recognizing specific skills as they progress, and enhancing adaptability to the job market. CBE's focus on competency mastery increases course completion rates and knowledge retention, promoting a deeper understanding of subjects.
A Novel Assessment and Grading Mechanism
In Competency-Based Education (CBE), assessment and grading depart from traditional methods. CBE prioritizes competency mastery over standardized exams, introducing innovative assessments like projects and simulations. This approach offers diverse ways to showcase skills and provides immediate feedback, fostering deep understanding. CBE's self-paced model allows students to choose when to demonstrate competence, promoting personalized learning paths and ensuring graduates are truly competent in their fields.
Unlock the Power of CBE with Creatrix Campus
In conclusion, the shift towards Competency-Based Education (CBE) is not just a trend; it's a transformative educational paradigm that offers numerous benefits for both institutions and learners. From personalized learning paths and improved retention to aligning with industry needs and fostering career readiness, the advantages of CBE are evident. The survey results, where nearly 95% of institutions expressed interest in CBE activities, underscore the widespread recognition of its potential.
To harness the full power of CBE and streamline its implementation, consider exploring Creatrix Campus Competency-Based Education Software. With its robust features, it automates the entire CBE planning and execution process, making it more efficient and effective than ever before. It's time to revolutionize education, adapt to the changing needs of learners, and embrace the future with CBE. Take the next step and explore how Creatrix Campus can propel your institution toward a competency-based future. Schedule a live demo with experts.
