Competency-Based Education
Competency-Based Education
At Merced College, learning is being reimagined through Competency-Based Education—an approach that values mastery of outcomes over seat time and empowers students through flexible, personalized pathways to success. Faculty creativity and expertise play a vital role in developing equitable, outcomes-driven learning experiences that exemplify educational excellence.
Before any CBE course or program development begins, all proposals must be reviewed and approved by the Dean and Cabinet. Following approval, this guide outlines the general steps for designing and launching CBE initiatives, but details are likely to change. The overarching aim is to advance innovative, student-centered learning while maintaining institutional consistency, quality, and integrity at every stage.
Why CBE?
CBE empowers students by allowing them to progress at their own pace, focusing on achieving competency in essential skills rather than simply spending time in class. This results in more engaged students, improved retention, and better career preparation. For faculty, CBE promotes a deeper connection with students’ learning, encourages innovation, and allows for a flexible teaching model. Additionally, CBE supports California’s Vision for Success by:
- Expanding access to underserved populations
- Promoting equity through personalized learning
- Enhancing career readiness
- Accelerating time to completion
- CBE Overview
What is Competency-Based Education?
CBE focuses on what students know and can do, rather than the time spent in a classroom. Students progress by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined competencies at their own pace.
Key Differences from Traditional Education
- Mastery over Seat Time: Students move forward when they demonstrate mastery (Mastery = achievement of 80% or better on summative/culminating assessments).
- Flexible Pacing: Tailored to accommodate individual learning speeds.
- Industry-Aligned Competencies: Focus on real-world skills valued by employers.
- Authentic Assessments: Emphasis on practical applications of knowledge.
Considerations for Faculty
- Paradigm Shift:
Transitioning to CBE involves embracing a shift from time-based learning to competency-based learning. This requires a change in how we think about assessments, grading, and student progress. - Student Support in CBE:
Faculty play a pivotal role as coaches and mentors in a CBE model, providing individualized feedback and support as students progress at their own pace. - Assessment Strategy:
Focus on designing assessments that authentically measure real-world skills and directly align with the competencies. This may require rethinking traditional exams and assignments in favor of project-based or performance-based assessments. - Accreditation & Compliance:
Ensure that your CBE programs/courses align with accreditation standards and financial aid regulations, particularly around credit-hour requirements.