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Criticisms of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Approach

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Social Work in the Frame of a Professional Competencies Approach

Part of the book series: European Social Work Education and Practice ((ESWEP))

Abstract

This chapter presents the conceptual pitfalls, ideological implications and educational consequences of Competency-Based Education (CBE) approach. While opponents claim that CBE is just a manifestation of a conservative political agenda, its supporters see CBE as a potential tool to change such agendas. There is no doubt that analysing and reflecting on the consequences and benefits of CBE is a necessary task before selecting or rejecting the approach. Identifying the weaknesses and pitfalls of the CBE model at the beginning of curricula design or renewal provides an opportunity for those who are leading the curricula change to avoid mistakes. Analysing and reflecting on the issues associated with the selection and implementation of a CBE curriculum is an indispensable part of responsible and thoughtful decision making.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidad Católica del Maule, Curicó, Chile

    Nélida Ramírez Naranjo

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  1. Nélida Ramírez Naranjo
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Correspondence to Nélida Ramírez Naranjo .

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  1. Social Work Study Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

    Ana Opačić

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Naranjo, N.R. (2022). Criticisms of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) Approach. In: Opačić, A. (eds) Social Work in the Frame of a Professional Competencies Approach. European Social Work Education and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13528-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-13528-6_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-13527-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-13528-6

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