Developing A Course-level Competency-Based Education (CBE) Framework

Competency-Based Education (CBE) is a progressive, student-focused approach to teaching and learning that prioritizes the mastery of specific skills or competencies over traditional classroom ‘seat time’. Unlike the one-size-fits-all structure of conventional education models, CBE is designed to be adaptable, providing a personalized learning experience that caters to diverse learning abilities and paces (C-BEN, 2017). This approach empowers students with greater control over their education, preparing them for career success as they can develop a wide range of competencies and skills that are in high demand by employers.

In this pilot project, our team will implement a CBE approach to two courses within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness: WELL 5506 - Health and Wellness Coaching in Practice, a second-semester online course in the Wellness Coaching post-graduate program; and NUTR 151 - Allergens and Advanced Food Safety, a first-semester hybrid course in the Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Promotion and Food and Nutrition Management programs. The CBE model developed will allow learners to navigate content at their own pace, quickly mastering areas of strength while devoting more time to areas requiring additional support.

Beyond personalizing learning, the CBE framework will also emphasize practical application and authentic assessment. By establishing a flexible learning schedule with transparent learning outcomes, the approach aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This will provide students with ample opportunities to apply their learning to real-world challenges, thereby cultivating essential practical skills and competencies necessary for success in their chosen careers. The aspiration is for this CBE framework to serve as a model for others at Humber to follow.