Competency-based education (CBE) focuses on explicit learning outcomes, flexible mastery time frames, and adaptive programs to cater to a changing student demographic, particularly as adult enrollments are projected to rise. Traditional education models may not effectively support the diverse needs of today’s learners, many of whom are working full-time or are parents. Despite its potential, CBE faces significant challenges including pedagogical, technological, and policy-related barriers that hinder broader implementation.

1. CBE 101
An Introduction to
Competency-based education
and the new student demographic

2. WHAT IS CBE?
CBE is based on six critical components:
• Explicit learning outcomes with respect to the required skills
and associated proficiency
• A flexible time frame to master these skills
• A variety of instructional activities to facilitate learning
• Criterion-referenced testing of the required outcomes
• Certification based on demonstrated learning outcomes
• Adaptable programs to ensure optimum learner guidance
Van der Horst & McDonald 1997:10-11

3. FUNDAMENTAL
DIFFERENCE
Traditional (Time-Based) Model Competency-Based Model
Jane
Billy
Sam
Johnny
A+
B
D
B-
Time Spent (fixed)
Jane
Billy
Sam
Johnny
Time Spent (variable)
Achievement varies. Achievement is fixed.

4. SO WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT IT NOW?

5. Over the next decade,
adult student enrollment is
expected to grow faster
than “traditional age”
students.
STUDENTS
HAVE
CHANGED.
Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

6. More than 1/3 of
undergraduate students
work full time.
STUDENTS
HAVE
CHANGED.
Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

7. Nearly a quarter of
students are parents.
STUDENTS
HAVE
CHANGED.
Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success

8. Traditional education doesn’t suit
everyone.
Only 29% of students
who start a two-year
degree program finish
within three years.Harvard University, Pathways to Prosperity

9. We have to think beyond
traditional models to provide
options for these learners.
There are over 30
million adults in
the US with some
college credit but
no degree.Hechinger Report, 2014

10. Education unlocks
opportunities for a better
life.
A postsecondary
degree is the key
to a middle class
salary.Georgetown University, Center on Education and the Workforce

11. Many schools are pursuing
competency-based
educational models to meet
the needs of a changing
student population.
What’s the
answer?
HOWEVER ….

12. Challenges to CBE Adoption
“Competency-based
learning has come a long
way over the past few
years, but there are still
significant hurdles
standing in the way of its
wider adoption.”
Robert Gibson, Director of Learning
Technologies, Emporia State University
Pedagogical
challenges
Technological
challenges
Policy/funding
issues
Quality
concerns

13. Download our new
CBE eBook to learn the
five most important things
you need to know right now.
Want to learn more?