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Competence and competency in higher education, simple terms yet with complex meanings: Theoretical and practical issues for university teachers and assessors implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE)

Holmes, Andrew G. D.; Polman Tuin, Marc; Turner, Sophie L.

Authors

Marc Polman Tuin

Sophie L. Turner



Abstract

There are different and conflicting definitions of competence, competency, and competency-based learning. Consequently, multiple interpretations and understandings are held by educators in respect of what these terms mean, when applied to their own teaching and assessment practices. Whilst UK and American universities are increasingly adopting competency-based learning, unless informed and considered discussion has taken place amongst staff about their individual understandings and interpretations, any development of new, competency-based assessment processes and procedures, is problematic. This paper provides an overview of the main issues involved in defining competency and assessing competence, along with recommendations for action. The purpose is to stimulate reflection and discussion, so that teaching staff can arrive at a common understanding and interpretation of the terminology of competency-based education, so that they may develop appropriate, authentic and fair assessment processes.

Citation

Holmes, A. G. D., Polman Tuin, M., & Turner, S. L. (2021). Competence and competency in higher education, simple terms yet with complex meanings: Theoretical and practical issues for university teachers and assessors implementing Competency-Based Education (CBE). Educational Process: International Journal, 10(3), 39-52. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2021.103.3

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 5, 2021
Online Publication Date Jul 15, 2021
Publication Date 2021-07
Deposit Date Apr 1, 2022
Publicly Available Date Apr 5, 2022
Journal Educational Process International Journal
Print ISSN 2147-0901
Electronic ISSN 2564-8020
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 3
Pages 39-52
DOI https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2021.103.3
Keywords Higher education; Competency; Competence; Competencies; Assessment; Competency-based learning
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3807880
Publisher URL https://edupij.com/index/arsiv/46/227/competence-and-competency-in-higher-education-simple-terms-yet-with-complex-meanings-theoretical-and-practical-issues-for-university-teachers-and-assessors-implementing-competency-based-education-cbe

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Publisher Licence URL
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

Copyright Statement
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited.






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