Competency Based Learning

Red River College

Competency Based Learning in ACE Courses

Brain

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

  • Term 5 BIT: Full-Stack Web Development

  • Term 1 IBIT: Intro to Programming Logic  
     
    Example Grade Breakdown:
    (From Term 5 Full Stack)

  • 10% - Coding Challenges (7 of them)

  • 40% - Project #1

  • 50% - Project #2

Pros and Cons

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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

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Time Commitment Feedback

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Project Based Assessment Feedback

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