Alignment of Competency-Based Learning and Assessment to Adaptive Instructional Systems

Abstract

The attraction of competency-based learning as a progressive model for newer learning systems has increased significantly over the past several years. It is built around the principle that learner outcomes, defined as what the learner is able to do and master after their learning experiences, are the ultimate measure for evaluation. This improves on earlier learning frameworks which focused on content authoring to develop curricula and instructor delivery techniques that relied heavily on standard grading systems, emphasizing testing only in terms of how much content was consumed and could be recalled by the learner. Thus, the focus was on instructor efficacy instead of on learner needs. A competency-based learning approach encourages tailoring the learning experiences to the learner and using evidence of learning to improve and adapt the learning components, which aligns well with adaptive instructional system approaches. The purpose of this paper is to further expand on competency-based learning, system and student evaluation, the assessment process, and how competency-based learning approaches may be applied to enhance and tailor adaptive instructional systems to achieve higher levels of learning based on individual outcomes. Additionally, it will be shown that there is a close connection between competency-based learning, learning analytics, and adaptive learning systems.