Competency Based Learning
Red River College
Competency Based Learning in ACE Courses
Here’s what I’ve tried…
- Variable pace (supported by videos).
- Project-based, personalized learning.
- Ability to self-assess and peer-assess to gauge progress.
- Meaningful in-person assessment feedback.
- Mastery before advancement.
Where I've Tried This...
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Term 3 BIT: Web Development 2
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Term 5 BIT: Full-Stack Web Development
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Term 1 IBIT: Intro to Programming Logic
Example Grade Breakdown:
(From Term 5 Full Stack)
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10% - Coding Challenges (7 of them)
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40% - Project #1
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50% - Project #2
Pros and Cons
PROS
- In Person Feedback / Code Reviews
- Project Management Skills
- Customized Learning Leading to Mastery
- Plagiarism Reduction
- Marking Workload
CONS
- Marking / Feedback Takes Over Class Time
- In-Person Critique Can Be Difficult / Awkward
- Debug Assistance on One-of-a-Kind Projects is Tricky
- Lots of Face-2-Face Time is Draining
Student Feedback
Here’s some feedback pulled from 14 students who took one of my competency-based courses this winter.
Learning Experience Feedback
Project Based Assessment Feedback