What is competency-based learning?
A competency is the capacity to carry out activities or tasks by drawing on a variety of resources, including knowledge, skills, strategies, techniques, attitudes and perceptions (MELS, 2003). Competency-based learning then is designed with the end objective (i.e. what the student will know and/or be able to do at the end of the course) in mind and structures the students’ learning experiences around the desired outcome. It is characterized by an emphasis on a student-centered approach. It is also based on a constructivist learning theory (expanding upon the students existing experiences/knowledge/abilities/etc. to create new understandings/knowledge/abilities).
