Key terms and definitions competency -based education

Competency -based education

Competency-Based Education (CBE) is an educational approach that focuses on students’ mastery of specific skills or competencies rather than the traditional emphasis on time spent in a classroom or completion of a predetermined curriculum. It is a student-centered approach that aims to ensure that learners acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in their chosen field or profession.

In a competency-based education system, the learning process is tailored to individual students’ needs and abilities. Students’ progress at their own pace and advance upon demonstrating their proficiency in each competency. This means that learners are not bound by a fixed timeline and can move faster or slower based on their abilities, prior knowledge, and learning pace.

Key terms and definitions of different competencies or skills in competency -based education

Communication

Communication: The ability to effectively convey and exchange information, ideas, and meaning through verbal, written, and nonverbal means. This includes skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and presenting.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking: The capacity to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, arguments, and ideas to make reasoned judgments and decisions. It involves logical reasoning, problem-solving, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to think creatively

Collaboration

Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others toward a common goal, actively participating, sharing responsibilities, and contributing to a team. Collaboration skills include communication, teamwork, active listening, and conflict resolution.

Digital Literacy

Digital Literacy: Proficiency in using digital technologies and tools to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. It includes skills in computer literacy, internet research, data analysis, digital communication, and cybersecurity.

Creativity

Creativity: The capacity to generate novel ideas, solutions, and products, and to think innovatively. Creativity involves originality, imagination, problem-framing, and the ability to approach challenges from different perspectives.

Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning: The ability to understand, interpret, and analyze numerical and statistical information in various contexts. It includes skills in mathematical reasoning, data analysis, probability, and statistical analysis.

Research and Inquiry

Research and Inquiry: The skills needed to conduct systematic investigations, gather and evaluate information, and draw conclusions. Research and inquiry skills encompass formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and critically evaluating sources.

Global and Cultural Awareness

Global and Cultural Awareness: The understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives, cultures, and global issues. It involves recognizing and respecting cultural differences, promoting inclusivity, and having a broad knowledge of global issues.

Ethical and Moral Reasoning

Ethical and Moral Reasoning: The ability to make principled decisions and judgments based on ethical principles and moral values. It includes understanding ethical frameworks, analyzing ethical dilemmas, and considering the consequences of actions.

Leadership

Leadership: The ability to inspire, influence, and guide others towards achieving shared goals. Leadership skills encompass effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to motivate and empower others.

Career and Professional Skills

Career and Professional Skills: Competencies specific to various professions and occupations. These can include industry-specific technical skills, professional communication, project management, teamwork, and business acumen.

Adaptability and Resilience

Adaptability and Resilience: The capacity to adjust and thrive in changing circumstances, to learn from failures and setbacks, and to persevere through challenges. It includes skills in flexibility, agility, problem-solving, and emotional resilience.