CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) is a student-centered approach to learning that focuses on mastering specific skills and knowledge. Unlike traditional educational models where time is constant and mastery is variable, CBE flips this paradigm.
In CBE, mastery is the constant, and time becomes the variable. This approach allows students to progress through mastery at their own pace, ensuring they have a deeper understanding of the content before moving forward.
On the other hand, India is a multiethnicity and multicultural country where Children come from different backgrounds, contexts, languages, and learning needs, but our education system does not consider these differences. Over and above, assessments of these children for decades have been rote learning with very little focus on understanding the application of concepts.
Well said, but putting it into action was difficult. Isn’t it? Students learn at a different pace and some need more practice than others. Therefore CBSE has taken this initiative and built a framework around the syllabus where the competencies are well-defined and fixed to ensure that each child acquires the foundational learning but the time spent on pathways of learning will be different.
once again, How? Teachers use formative assessment which is aimed to help children acquire the competencies. Formative assessment gives them the ability to adjust in real-time by clearly identifying the key areas where students need to improve their skills, values, and attitudes.
Shifting Towards Competency Based Education
In traditional methodology, It was found that children entering a particular class were expected to learn the course contents in a stipulated time, followed by weekly tests, half-yearly exams, and annual exams.
Most of the lessons were textbook-based and focused on covering the defined syllabus by the teacher, and the same set of instructions were given to all other classes.
In 2011, experts and educators came together for the first time and agreed upon a five-point working definition of CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE).
CBSE Competency Based Education:
According to them, Competency Based Education is a high-quality education system in which students are :
- Engaged and motivated by educators to gain measurable mastery.
- Well-defined competencies and learning outcomes are articulated to empower students.
- Assessing competencies, along with content or concepts or knowledge is significant, as it fosters a positive learning experience for students.
- Students receive timely and tailored support according to their specific learning requirements.
- Learning outcomes emphasize competencies such as Application, Analysis, Evaluation of Competencies and Content, and Creation of Knowledge, alongside the cultivation of important skills and dispositions.
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Competency Based Education vs Traditional Education
CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) is an approach where learning is measured by mastery, not by minutes, and where Learning is not a race but a journey.
| Parameters | Traditional Education System | CBSE Competency Based Education System |
|---|---|---|
| Outcomes | Memorization and understanding of academic content. | Demonstration of learned knowledge and skill. |
| Mindset | Fixed mindset. | Growth mindset. |
| Culture | Culture of compliance. | Culture of empowerment. |
| Support system | Need-based support system for students. | Differentiated instructions and support to all students. |
| Pedagogy | Single curriculum for all students. | Individual learning pathway for each student. |
| Assessment | One size fits all approach. | Personalized learning approach. |
| Proficiency standard | Different meanings for different students. | Need-based support system for students. |
| Advancement | Time-based. | Learning based. |
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Let’s see how meaningful is this topic, and how CBSE tries to acquire this.
Competency Based Education System
Do you know? CBSE Competency Based Education is also known as:
| Proficiency-based Learning. | Mastery-based Learning | Performance-based Learning | Skill-based Learning |
Therefore, CBSE Competency Based Education tries to develop pedagogy based on activities, experiences, integration of Arts/Sports/ technology, etc., by connecting the learning to real-life situations, so that the child learns to apply knowledge.
When students demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, prove their ability to apply that understanding, and show how they have developed important skills, they move forward.
In line with CBSE, NCERT has developed Learning outcomes in all the curriculum areas at the elementary and secondary stages, linking these with the curricular expectations and the pedagogical processes. The expected learning outcomes have been developed class-wise (from classes I to VIII) for subjects such as Environmental Studies, Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Hindi, English, and Urdu.
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Let’s explore more facts about the topic.
Competency Based Education Framework
CBSE has come out with frameworks in collaboration with “Azim Premji University“, with “Sri Aurobindo Society and ACER“, and with “British Council and AlphaPlus“.
These frameworks are comprehensive resources for teachers and include competencies, assessment frameworks, samples of pedagogical processes, blueprints, and assessment items and rubrics
- Learning ladder – which sets out the content for each class for each subject.
- Assessment objectives – which set out the skills to be assessed and the proportion of marks.
- Assessment specification – which sets out the guidance for test duration, number of marks, content coverage, question types, mark scheme approach, and rubric requirements.
- Example items – that illustrate the types of items that can be used and how they can be grouped.
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Principles of Competency Based Education
The principles of CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) are designed to align with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which emphasizes a shift from traditional rote memorization to a more formative, regular, and competency-based assessment system. Here are some of the key principles:
- Equity is set before all else – In the past, all students were treated the same, aiming for a common target. However, in CBSE’s competency-based education – approach, fairness, and justice are prioritized for each student.
- Transparency helps students take ownership – Learning objectives are established beforehand, ensuring that both students and parents are informed about the clear end goals. This transparent approach helps students take ownership.
- Students get the support they need individually – Students receive personalized support tailored to their individual needs through mastery learning.
- Teacher assess for growth and mastery – In CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE), teachers assess students’ growth and mastery using various methods and tools including formative assessment, summative assessment, and progress monitoring.
- Students move forward when they demonstrate mastery – In CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE), students progress based on their mastery of the material rather than grades and time constraints.
In other words, CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) creates a continuous improvement system that fosters students’ deeper learning at their own pace.
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Competency Based Education Curriculum
The Key components of CBSE Competency Based Education Curriculum (CBE) encompass various elements that contribute to a holistic learning experience:
Keep this in mind:
| Components in Curriculum | Details |
|---|---|
| Clearly defined learning outcomes | By outlining the expected knowledge, skills, and abilities, clearly defined learning outcomes help align instructional activities, assessments, and learning experiences. |
| Flexibility of time | This means that rigid timelines or schedules do not constrain students, and they can allocate their time according to their learning needs. |
| Multiple pedagogies and classroom activities | Multiple pedagogies and classroom activities form the basis of learning. For example, in schools practicing, the focus is on creating learner-centered classrooms. These classrooms support various modes of learning, flexible student groupings, and responsive facilitation based on students’ needs, interests, and strengths. |
| Variety of engaging content | Engaging content like multimedia resources, interactive simulations, real-world case studies, and hands-on activities tailored to meet the specific learning objectives of each student. |
| Assessment of learning outcomes | Various assessment methods, such as formative assessments, summative assessments, performance tasks, projects, and portfolios, are utilized to gauge students’ progress and proficiency levels. |
| Demonstrated learning outcomes | Demonstrated learning outcomes refer to the observable and measurable indicators that showcase students’ acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities within a specific competency area. |
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How to implement Competency-Based Education
Until now, not all schools have fully implemented competency-based education (CBE). The CBSE has categorized these schools based on their progress in adopting CBE principles. These Stages are sequential and intended to help practitioners understand the importance of building a solid foundation for mastery-based learning. Let’s assess the stage of CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) implementation in school:
| Stages in School | Course of Action | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| STAGE 1 | Trying to understand. | A common language helps teachers, students, and parents understand the expectations. |
| STAGE 2 | Discussing to consider. | Defining the competencies, skills, and learning outcomes and delivering instruction. |
| STAGE 3 | Planning to start. | Creating the curriculum, assessment, and reporting systems that support CBE. |
| STAGE 4 | Presently providing in few grades and subjects. | Receive feedback and support along the way. |
| STAGE 5 | Presently providing in all grades and subjects. | Personalized pathways allow all students to progress at their own pace. |
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Competency Based Education Model
The models do not just state facts but also utilize case studies and scenarios that trigger the practical application of knowledge. The study content is designed in the form of small comprehensive models and each model is self-contained.
The model design facilitates flexible learning, allowing students to revisit specific models as and when required. This approach eliminates the need to retake an entire course due to difficulties in mastering content and skills within a predefined timeframe.
| Model | Model Highlights | Model Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Model 1 | Evolving Educator (Teaching) for CBSE Competency based education (CBE) | • Knowledge Competencies, Base Pedagogy on the Science of Learning. • Intra and interpersonal competencies. • Build Student Agency and Ownership (Coaching, Information, and Opportunities). • Focus on the Development of Higher-order Skills (Apply Bloom’s and Webb’s Taxonomy). |
| Model Provides: • Educators have a deep understanding of the competencies outlined by CBSE for each subject and grade level. •An evolving educator should be able to tailor their teaching methods and materials to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student. | ||
| Model | Model Name | Model Highlights |
| Model-2 | Quality principle for CBSE Competency based education (CBE) | • Purpose and culture design principles. • Teaching and learning design principles. • structure design principles. |
| Model provides: • Assessment as learning. • Classroom curriculum redesigned to foster engagement agency and competence for all learners. | ||
| Model | Model Name | Model Highlights |
| Model-3 | School Readiness for CBSE Competency based education (CBE) | • Multiple modalities. • Flexible student grouping. • Responsive facilitation. |
| Model provides: • Knowledge about their students. • They know their students what they need to learn and how they will when they experience difficulty. | ||
| Model | Model Name | Model Highlights |
| Model-4 | Classroom management practices for CBSE Competency based education (CBE) | • Focus on mastery experiences. • Clearly defined policies and practices. • Instructional approaches and assessment strategies. |
| Model provides: • Teachers are expected to play in competency based education (CBE) as instructional designers, learner guides, learner coaches, resource managers, and evidence-based practitioners. | ||
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Competency Based Education NCERT
CBSE Competency based Education (CBE) Supports lifelong learning by focusing on academic knowledge and transcribing skills. It offers instructions and support to students at the right time in the right manner.
NCERT/DIKSHA has developed learning outcomes for all subjects and classes based on the principle of CBSE competency based education (CBE) and also provides various resources and training programs for teachers and students to implement in their classrooms.
| CBSE Competency Based Education (CBE) as per NCERT/DIKSHA | |
| Intervention | Providing learners with quality feedback and guidance that help them progress along their learning path. |
| Diagnostics | Offering learners assessment and different learning materials based on the skills already mastered. |
| Affiliation | Learners can receive different online training materials based on their relationship with the programs in groups. |
| Personalized message | Learners get relevant and timely communication that is tailored to their needs. |
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A lot has been said. But, Did you ever think about how CBSE Competency based education benefits society?
Competency Based Education is Essential For
CBSE Competency based education (CBE) is essential, Because theoretical knowledge may help students understand any concept, but in the real world, they need to have a “go-getter” attitude, sharp mindset, and skills or competencies that can help them achieve their goals.
We all know that today’s industry demands brilliant students who can stand out in the crowd, be an asset to their organization, and deliver “nothing but the best”.
CBE For Students:
- As opposed to just finishing the curriculum, competency based education encourages courageous students to concentrate on one subject and build abilities in that subject.
- The learner can devote as much time as is necessary to study the material to master the knowledge.
CBE For Institutes:
- Competency based education helps the institutes by enabling them to bring diversity in offering courses.
- The courses and syllables are more aligned with the industry requirements, hence increasing job placements and internship opportunities in the industries.
CBE For Industry:
- The employer can search and find students with the exact skill sets required in the company.
- This encourages good collaboration among the institutes and industries with an assurance of great talent being employed in the company.
It can provide more flexibility and personalization for students, as they can learn at their own pace and according to their interests and needs that are relevant and applicable in real-life situation.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: on Competency Based Education
Q: What is the impact of competency-based learning in education?
A: Competency-Based Learning (CBL) has a profound impact on education in several ways:
- Student Engagement and Motivation: CBL significantly enhances student engagement and motivation, making students feel more interested in their learning and confident in their ability to succeed.
- Personalized Learning: CBL allows for personalized instruction, enabling students to progress at their own pace. This approach recognizes the diversity of learners and tailors teaching methods accordingly.
- Skill Development: CBL focuses on demonstrating competence, measured through formative assessments. It supports students at each stage to eliminate learning gaps.
- Preparation for the Future: CBL prepares students for the future by equipping them with knowledge, resilience, adaptability, and empathy.
Q: What are the advantages of Competency Based Education (CBE)?
A: Competency-Based Education (CBE) offers several advantages:
- Enforce deeper Learning.
- Qualitative Learning Outcomes.
- Promote Personalized Learning.
- Growth-oriented Learning.
- Develop Critical and Creative thinking.
Q: How to improve competencies?
A: Improving competencies is a multifaceted process that combines self-awareness, targeted learning, practice, and feedback.
CBSE
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