(from Competency Works):

By Michael Horn

Although competency-based learning in higher education is arising based on the need for more affordable programs that prepare students for the workforce, by no means is competency-based learning inherently synonymous with the demise of the liberal arts.

First, today’s emerging vocational programs are not like the career-focused programs of yesteryear. Many jobs and careers today require employees who can think critically and creatively, communicate, collaborate, and so forth such that building some of the competencies of a liberal arts curriculum into the fabric of the program can be critical. At many institutions offering online, competency-based programs, for example, the competencies are infused with helping the students be more self-aware, develop their own metacognitive skills, and be reflective about society, art, and self with the theory that this will make students both better employees and citizens. CONTINUE READING HERE