Compare and Contrast CBE and Deeper Learning in Curriculum Design and Implementation

Video Transcription

Hello, everyone. I hope you're having a wonderful day today. Today, we're going to go ahead and compare and contrast competency based education and deeper learning in curriculum design and implementation. For today's lesson, I've chosen a quote by Sydney J. Harris, which states, "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."

Now, by the end of today's lesson, you are going to be able to review the core concepts of deeper learning. You will review iNACOL's five components for competency based education. You'll compare the similarities between CBE and deeper learning, as well as contrast the differences between CBE and deeper learning.

First, let's go ahead and review those core concepts. Now, competency based education, as it's defined by deeper learning, which is defined by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, really focuses in on that major element of the mastering the core academic content. Right? So these deeper learning core concepts first and foremost want students to master their core content. Then, the goal is to think critically and really solve some of those complex problems as it pertains to that core content that they have learned.

Next, they're going to want to see that students can work collaboratively, working together to really be in a team setting, as well as to communicate effectively, presenting their ideas, whether they're positive or negative, to that group to help work through and problem solve. Then, really focusing in on a student's ability to learn how to learn, to track their own learning progress, and see where it is they need additional help. And finally, we're going to be looking at developing that academic mindset, focusing in on a student's ability to really say this is why it's important for me to learn. Here is how I'm going to go about learning. Really just honing in on that mindset within deeper learning and competency based education.

Next, I want to go ahead and review iNACOL's five components of competency based education. According to iNACOL, first and foremost, there are the five design principles for competency education, which is that students are going to advance upon the demonstrated mastery. Second, that students are going to have explicit and measurable learning objectives, so that they can follow along with their own learning, that teachers are providing those clear expectations. Three, that assessment is meaningful, that the common assessments that are used are not only based in the standards, but also there is application of these elements outside of the classroom.

That students are going to receive differentiated support, so that if students are sort of falling behind their other classmates, that they have interventions in place that they can use to help advance their learning, as well as students who are ahead of their other classmates, ways that they can look to really advance the work that they have already done. And finally, that the learning outcomes include application and creation of knowledge, that there are elements about the learning that is standard, but also there is really an emphasis on students and teachers to personalize that education, so that you can apply that knowledge in your own specific settings.

What I'd like to do now is really focused in on some of the similarities between competency based education and deeper learning, because there are. Now, it's important to note that competency based education is actually a method by which one could achieve deeper learning. So within CBE design, and in many of the design principles, you see the direct application and connection to that deeper learning. There is a lot of overlap between these.

Some of those overlaps could include that students are to demonstrate that mastery before they move on and if they are making sure that they're showing that proficiency. Also, a similarity is that there are additional opportunities or ways in which students can receive interventions to show that mastery, if they are unable to demonstrate it the first time. There are multiple opportunities for that self pacing and for students to actualize those goals. And then finally, that there are clear expectations and learning targets, that teachers are providing these so that students are clear on what they need to do and able to really push forward in their own education.

Now, let's go ahead and take just a moment to focus in on some of the differences. First, it's important to note that there are some elements that are just specific to deeper learning, that don't apply to competency based education. I mean, look at that Venn diagram.

Some of those would be that first, within deeper learning, it is important to apply the mastery knowledge in authentic situations outside of the classroom. That is very specific to deeper learning. It is a requirement of deeper learning, but it's not always seen in competency based education.

Also, there is a huge emphasis on collaboration and communication. With CBE, there is a lot of project based learning, which may or may not occur outside of the classroom. But deeper learning really emphasizes the use of those technologies within collaboration and communication, ensuring that students are advancing that information outside of the classroom, as opposed to competency based education that doesn't always necessarily require that emphasis on collaboration and communication.

Now that you've reached the end of the lesson, you are able to review the core concepts of deeper learning. You've been able to review iNACOL's five components of competency based education. You've been able to compare some of the similarities between CBE and deeper learning, as well as some of the differences.

Now that you've completed the lesson, I want you to think just a little bit about ways in which you would incorporate either deeper learning or competency based education or a combination of both into your classroom. As you reflect on how this new information can be applied, you might want to explore the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. This is where you'll find links to resources chosen to help you deepen your learning and explore ways to apply your newly acquired skill set.