In today’s rapidly evolving world, education stands as a pivotal cornerstone for personal and societal growth. It is the key that unlocks doors to a brighter future, and its quality and relevance matter now more than ever. Traditional education systems have served us well for centuries, but the demands of the 21st century have made it clear that we need to adapt and evolve. It’s time to re-evaluate how we approach education, and one promising avenue is competency-based education.
As the founder of an organisation deeply entrenched in the education industry, I have witnessed first-hand the changing landscape of learning. My three-decade experience has taught valuable lessons about the power of competency-based education in redefining curriculums for skill development. Therefore, let’s look into the concept of competency-based education, its advantages, and how it can shape the future of learning.
Competency-Based Education Defined
Competency-Based Education (CBE) is a student-centered approach that focuses on mastering specific skills and knowledge rather than simply progressing through a predetermined curriculum based on time spent in the classroom. In a CBE framework, learners advance when they demonstrate proficiency in predetermined competencies or learning objectives. This approach allows students to move independently and provides a more flexible and personalised learning experience.
Traditional education had us memorise, test, and repeat. For twelve years, we adhered to the familiar rhythm: learn, test, progress. But in a rapidly changing world, driven by technology and unpredictable shifts, is that enough?
We, as educators, have a pressing responsibility. The very core of education is not just to prepare our students for exams or careers, but to empower them for life. To be future-ready, our learners need more than what textbooks can offer. They must challenge the status quo, imagine the unimaginable, and tread uncharted territories.
The Challenge Ahead
Today, the world stands at a transformational juncture. Digitalisation and shifting economic paradigms are redefining jobs, roles, and life itself. By 2030, AI and automation will reshape the global workforce, moving beyond blue-collar jobs to professional domains like accounting, law, and medicine.
In such a world, the uniquely human traits – empathy, creativity, intuition, ethics – become our most treasured assets. Skills that can’t be digitised or automated will be invaluable.
Merging the powerful realms of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands powerful acronyms like DREAMTIME = Design Thinkers, Reflective Thinkers, Excited Thinkers, Adaptive Thinkers, Media Literate, Thinkers about Thinking, Imaginative Thinkers, Moonshot Thinking and Emotional Intelligence.
Imagine your students engaging with them rather than reading about historical figures. Delving deep into ancient Greece, conversing with Plato, experiencing history as it unfolds. Or mastering complex subjects with VR-enhanced experiences, enhancing retention and emotional connection to the content.
Research supports this avant-garde approach. With VR training, students learn four times faster, connecting more deeply with the material. Game-based learning has shown consistent superiority over traditional methods. DREAMTIME is not just a tool but a revolution.
As someone deeply committed to the field of education, my experiences have shown me that competency-based education can be a transformative force. It empowers learners to take control of their education, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. It’s time for educators, institutions, and policymakers to embrace this innovative approach and rethink curriculums to prioritise skill development and lifelong learning. The future of education is competency-based, and it holds the promise of a brighter and more equitable future for all learners.
Authored article by Lina Ashar, Founder, Poweredby Dreamtime Learning
