PowerPoint Presentation

Planning Competency-Based Pathways: An Institutional Approach

Marie Cini, ProvostBeth Mulherrin, Assistant DeanAbout UMUCUniversity System of Maryland member specializing in high-quality academic programs tailored for working adultsOffers a flexible transfer policyAccept credit for work, military and other experience through prior and experiential learning programsOutcomes-based and designed for real-world application

Personalized for the Student

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Honoring PLA historyMix and match types of creditCrosswalk of competency assessments with traditional creditOverall pathway of competency achievement through diverse experiencesChallenge of MHEC and federal regulations

Building UMUC ModelOutcomes, not inputsExplicit learning expectationsBeyond seat timeDemonstration of learningPerformance measured against expectationsReal world applicationProgress through mastery Ongoing assessment and support

Competency Based ApproachWhat students know and are able to do- authentic assessments- tied to courses but not just course based- sequential learning experiences by level- self-study and resources as needed5

Competency Mapping

Starting with outcomes-based curriculumDeconstructing outcomes into specific competenciesMapping assessments to all competenciesModularizing curriculum for partial demonstration of competencies self-study remediation and support

Creating curriculum framework- mapping both formal coursework and alternative assessments against the same outcomes allows students to build individualized pathways to degree. It allows selection from different ways of gaining credit to fit their preexisting level of knowledge and fill in gaps. This recognizes the wide and sometimes uneven nature of preparation that adult students may bring.6

Elements of the ModelTechnology-Enabled DesignOutcomes and Competency-Based ApproachCurriculum MappingPortal Individualized Tracking Learner Analytics Flexible Delivery Continuous SupportEntering DiagnosticsCompetency DefinitionsExperiential Learning Career Planning and MentoringContinuous Assessment and SupportAlignmentModularizationAssessmentCredit Options

Continuous connection and adaptation are essential to this model. Technology-enabled design will allow for detailed tracking of student progress; response to student learning gaps and needs; flexible delivery of instructional resources; personalized but scalable student pathways and advising; data analysis to identify successful approaches and correct less successful ones; and seamless connections among institutional services and resources. The result is the systematic approach to enabling students to reach graduation, and the redesign of core support services 8Benefits for Students Competencies mapped to career goals

Best UMUC degree option based on student competencies

Personalized degree plan

Track achievement of competencies through a portfolioContinuous and Supported LearningGRADUATIONCareer MentoringCoursesContinuous AssessmentOutreachPrior Learning PortfolioSkip introductory coursework

Self-Paced Study

Working in the fieldCredit for on-the-job learning

Extra academic support

10Resources where are your gaps Curriculum mappingFaculty roles Student supportAdministration and structure Roles and responsibilitiesTechnology supportData tracking and transcriptingOversight and regulationTransferabilityCredit limits for PLAFinancial aidWork with accreditorsFinding Your Way

What is your goal?What resources do you need?What systems do you need?What are the biggest culture and role changes?What can you build on?Your biggest challenges?Next Steps