Competency based education is finally starting to become widespread and it is exciting.
Simply…it is learning (usually college education) that is based on mastering a topic or course before moving on to the next topic.
This is in contrast to the normal time based learning where the student works on learning in a quarter or semester. Regardless whether the student had enough time to master the topic or whether they need a longer time, the quarter or semester ends and a decision is made whether the student has learned enough (e.g., grade).
This has been the model of education for hundreds of years.
This is about to change…in a big way.
With the exploding cost of college education, many students (and parents) are anxious to find another method of getting a degree without going into debt for years.
The extreme computing power now available in a laptop or tablet can make individual learning very easy to accomplish.
It removes the need for a classroom or being in a certain location for learning to occur. Competency based learning can occur in a classroom setting but each student would work on their own material.
This makes it possible for a student to finish a degree early versus traditional college. We are just starting to see the beginning of the possibilities for how to use this education model.
Schools like Michigan University, Purdue University, Western Governors University, Capella University, and Southern New Hampshire University all have competency based learning programs although on a limited basis.
Impact to Businesses
There is a big shift coming for businesses and competency based learning contributes to that change.
If businesses are not aware of this shift, it will take them by surprise and they will miss an opportunity to grab great talent.
Follow my thinking, if you can!
When a student has come through this type of education and then goes into the workforce, they focus changes significantly.
They are focused on getting the work done and not time in sitting at a desk. This is going to be a tough change for managers focused on making sure everyone is sitting at their desk from 8-5.
These new workers are going to have a hard time to adjust to a time-based work when they spend years on an effort-based learning model. In their mind, once the work is done, they leave for home.
This is going to be a culture change that is tough for many managers to solve.
However, the first companies to solve this problem will reap great rewards and get the top talent. Old style regimental companies will be left behind.
Breaking down the work effort into divisible segments or parts will work best with these employees. They will get a great sense of satisfaction and will have some flexibility in their time.
It is a brave new world ahead! Enjoy!