Competency Based Learning and Project Based Learning

1. Competency Based Learning and Project Based Learning Supporting Digital Badging

2. BPS and BASB Digital Badging Pilot “Students earn badges by demonstrating they have developed strong skills in areas such as critical thinking and perseverance, attributes that contribute to success.” http://bostonbeyond.org/initiatives/digital-badges/

3. What is Competency-Based Learning • Competency-based learning is an approach to education that focuses on the student’s demonstration of desired learning outcomes as central to the learning process. It is concerned chiefly with a student’s progression through curriculum at their own pace, depth, etc. As competencies are proven, students continue to progress. • A key characteristic of competency-based learning is its focus on mastery. In other learning models, students are exposed to content–whether skills or concepts–over time, and success is measured summatively. In a competency-based learning system, students are not allowed to continue until they have demonstrated mastery of the identified competencies (i.e., the desired learning outcomes to be demonstrated). In this way, competency-based learning is closely tied to mastery learning. http://teachthought.com/learning/what-is-competency-based-learning/

4. Five Elements of Competency Based Learning • Students advance upon mastery. • Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower student • Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience for students. • Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs. • Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge, along with development of important skills and dispositions. http://teachthought.com/learning/what-is-competency-based-learning/

5. Performance-Based Learning What is Project Based Learning (PBL)? Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl

6. Essential Elements of Project-Based Learning • Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills - The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, communication, collaboration, and self-management.  • Challenging Problem or Question - The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the the classroom. appropriate level of challenge. • Sustained Inquiry - Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information. • Authenticity - The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives. • Student Voice & Choice - Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create. • Reflection - Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them. • Critique & Revision - Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products. • Public Product -Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl

7. Performance Based Learning

8. Levels of Proficiency Behaviors are associated with each level of competence

9. Levels of Proficiency – Critical Thinking

10. Levels of Proficiency – Perseverance

11. How will this criteria influence your interactions with students