Competency-based learning (CBL) is quickly gaining popularity as an effective approach to personalize learning, better assess learner understanding, and address the challenge of knowledge gaps. More and more organizations are implementing competency-based initiatives, and with promising results. Are you considering making the transition? Here are 6 things to know about CBL:

1. CBL is based on skill mastery, not time

Traditionally, our education system takes a time-based approach; learners progress through grade levels based on their age and “seat time” in the classroom and instruction is delivered on a set schedule. However, with a competency-based approach, learners progress forward with instruction only after they have demonstrated mastery of the current concept. They’re allowed to progress at their own rate of learning and build the foundational knowledge needed to be successful.

2. CBL encourages a personalized approach

With its focus on self-pacing and mastery, competency-based learning is inherently complementary to personalized learning. It takes the focus away from pre-determined lesson plans and learning schedules, and instead shifts their mindset to a learner-centered approach, looking at each individual learner’s knowledge, learning style, and progress.

3. CBL significantly reduces learning gaps

When instruction is delivered on a set schedule, learners are at risk of missing certain material. They may struggle with a particular concept or skill, only to be forced to move ahead with the curriculum before they’ve achieved true understanding. This can result in knowledge gaps that hinder learning of subsequent topics, ultimately leading to poor performance and frustration. By shifting the focus to mastery, a competency-based approach eliminates much of this risk. Learners only move forward once they’ve demonstrated thorough understanding of the current concept—meaning they’re well prepared for success on the next lesson.

4. CBL assessments require students to apply knowledge

Demonstrating skills mastery is about more than filling in the right multiple-choice bubble. With a competency-based approach, assessments become more application-focused. They’re delivered when learners are ready and to the greatest extent possible, seek to give learners options in how they demonstrate their understanding. This may be through research papers, presentations, projects, or assessments that make greater use of technology-enhanced item types. The result is that learners have a more flexible assessment experience, and the organization receives more detailed, nuanced information about their knowledge and progress.

5. CBL prepares students for success beyond the classroom

Competency-based learning is all about translating standards into demonstrable skills. This makes it a great strategy for integrating new skills preparation into the classroom. Learners are empowered to take ownership of their learning, explore their interests, and build explicit, applicable, and transferrable skills that will benefit them outside the classroom.

6. CBL maximizes the use of technology

To truly meet the personalized expectations of a competency-based approach for all learners, technology can be a powerful tool. Organizations and educational institutions can take advantage of online curriculum to help learners get the content they need at the pace that’s right for them. Simultaneously, online assessment tools can help the organization collect and analyze learner progress to make informed instructional decisions - in real-time. We've designed Orion’s learning platform to support a CBL approach, providing targeted instruction driven by an adaptive diagnostic assessment to give learners greater control over their own educational journey.

Interested in learning more about how a competency-based approach could benefit your organization? Contact Orion to find out about our accredited CBL Content Marketplace, Learning Platform and Transformation Service to help you move your learning forward.

About Orion Learning

Orion Learning is a leader in competency-based learning and our solutions include Learning Management Systems (LMS), accredited Content Marketplace and Learning Transformation.

Get Certified, Get Trained and Get Started with Orion. More information on Orion solutions can be found at www.orionelearning.com