Competency-Based Education (CBE) Panel Jeffrey C. Sun, Ph.D., J.D. Lee W. Bewley, Ph.D., FACHE Saundra Kimberlain, M.S. University of Louisville Celebration of Teaching and Learning 2019

Panel Session Agenda What is CBE? CBE at the University of Louisville How can CBE be beneficial to students? How can CBE be challenging to students? How can CBE be beneficial to faculty? How can CBE be challenging to faculty? How can I start a CBE program? Summary and Q&A

What is CBE? An educational approach …that focuses on the development and assesment of competencies A few examples of contemporary CBE: Curriculum Design Non-Term Clock or Credit hour equivalents; student-focused pace Direct Assessment Application of assessment instruments Often subscription-based

CBE at UofL: History 2013: University discussions of developing institutional CBE capabilities 2014: Adaptation of existing degree to a CBE approach Adult Learners returning for degree completion Healthcare emerged as targeted area Healthcare leaders consortium meeting Analysis of leaders and exemplar feedback 2015: Explorative development of CBE program 2016: Program Start v1.0, Fall 2016 2016 – 2019: Evolutions

CBE at UofL: Courses Online, Specialized Learning Management System (LMS) Sagence Learning (transitioning to STRUT) Courses built to be self-paced (up to 32 weeks) Pre-test\assessment Developmental activities, resources In-course, “checks on learning”, formative assessments Summative Assessment: Integrative exercise, case study, written assignment, oral examination Rubric-based assessment Mastery at B+ (or higher) Faculty serve as both instructors and assessors

How can CBE be beneficial to students? Rachel's Story: CBE @ UofL Value Proposition Strategic and individualized plan based on student previous education and experience Up to 48 credit hours free from Prior Learning Innovative course delivery Ability to accelerate to completion Online delivery allows national/international enrollment Flexibility Student success focused

How can CBE be challenging to students? Too much flexibility Adapting to a competency-assessment based learning process Paradigm shift in thinking (previous education experience does not match CBE expectations) Student Led/Strategic (responsibility on student) Coordinating and utilizing federal financial aid Accelerated = Tuition due is accelerated Gen Eds are not CBE

How can CBE be beneficial to faculty? Opportunity to more effectively develop and assess competencies and student performance Program and course development “Unbound” from normal terms Flexibility of engagement Engagement tailored to the individual Assessments and grades matched to student developmental progress instead of time

How can CBE be challenging to faculty? Developing the curriculum and courses in a CBE-based format Perpetual development and assessment readiness (year-round course enrollments, completions, and administrative actions) Substantial variation in student progress within the course and program Combination of teaching, advising, coaching, and assessing

How do I start a CBE Program? New program? Adaptation of an existing program? Accreditation considerations Business Planning Development of curriculum actions Coordination with administrative support Delphi Center Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, Provost’s Office Implementation

Closing, Forward-looking Thoughts Clear potential for wider adoption across higher education markets Advancing Competency-Based Education Act of 2017 (introduced June 8th, 2017) Opportunity to expand enrollment opportunities Faculty and Staff development Academic Unit and Program Leadership Transformational Engage market, industry leaders Plan with the end in mind; backwards planning

Thank you for your time! Q&A

Resources Competency-Based Education Network (CBEN) www.cbenetwork.org Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/oii-news/competency-based-learning-or-personalized-learning https://experimentalsites.ed.gov/exp/approved.html University of Louisville CBE program https://louisville.edu/online/programs/competency-based-degree-programs/healthcare-leadership-cbe New York Times blog article http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/03/education/edlife/degrees-based-on-what-you-can-do-not-how-long-you-went.html?pagewanted=1&ref=education&_r=1