Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number2 June 2021 Pp.3-21
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no2.1
Investigating Competency‐Based Learning Implementation at the Northern Border University (NBU): A Descriptive Analytical Study
Osama H. S. Hassanein
Faculty of Education & Arts, Curriculum & Instruction Department
Northern Border University (NBU), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
E-mail: u_zedan555@yahoo.com
Received: 1/14/2021 Accepted:4/6/2021 Published: 6/24/2021
Abstract:
Competency-Based Learning implementation has become a necessity at the Northern Border University (NBU), the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). However, there are still a lot of implementation challenges that need to be faced. In an attempt to overcome some of these challenges, this study conducted to identify the awareness level of competency-based learning among EFL faculty and to assess the extent to which faculty teaching practices, as well as EFL course descriptions, are supportive to competency-based learning at the NBU? The descriptive-analytical method was used in this study. The study sample included all faculty members (both male & female) teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at the NBU during the academic year 2020–2021. To achieve the objectives of this study, a self-report questionnaire was used to elicit information about NBU faculty awareness level of competency-based learning. The questionnaire was also used to assess faculty views regarding their teaching practices and regarding EFL course descriptions used. Descriptive statistics were used in the present study. Results showed that overall awareness level of competency-based learning among NBU faculty is medium. Results also showed that the teaching practices of EFL faculty at the NBU, concerning all elements of competency-based learning are generally low and do not support competency-based learning. Moreover, results showed that course descriptions used at the NBU do not support competency-based learning. In light of these results, educational implications and some recommendations for raising faculty awareness of competency-based learning and for competency-based course design were discussed.
Keywords: Competency, competency‐based learning, competency‐based curriculum, Northern Border University
Cite as: Hassanein, O. H. S. (2021). Investigating Competency‐Based Learning Implementation at the Northern Border University (NBU): A Descriptive Analytical Study.
Arab World English Journal, 12 (2) 3-21.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no2.1
References
Benjamin, L. (2014). The Implementation of Constructivist Approach in Competency-Based Curriculum: A Case of Geography teaching in selected Secondary Schools in Songea Municipality, (Unpublished Master’s Thesis). The Open University of Tanzania, United Republic of Tanzania.
Bosman, L., & Arumugam, S. (2019). A Scaffold and Competency-Based Learning Approach to Innovation Related Thinking Frameworks. Proceedings of the ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 393-2403.
Curry, L., & Docherty, M. (2017). Implementing Competency-based Education. Collected Essays on Learning and Teaching, 10, 61-73. DOI: 10.22329/celt.v10i0.4716
Dragoo, A., & Barrows, R. (2016). Implementing Competency-Based Education: Challenges, Strategies and a Decision-Making Framework. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education, 64(2), 73-83. DOI: 10.1080/07377363.2016.1172193
Egbert, J., & Shahrokni, S. (2019). Balancing Old and New: Integrating Competency-Based Learning into CALL Teacher Education. The JALT CALL Journal, 15(1), 3-18. https://doi.org/10.29140/jaltcall.v15n1.156
Evan, T. et al. (2020). Exploring Faculty Perceptions of Competency-Based Medical Education and Assessing Needs for Implementation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residency. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 42(6), 707−717. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2019.10.034
Fowler, A. (2018). Transitioning to Competency-Based Grading, (Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation). Carson-Newman University, Tennessee, United States.
Henri, M., Johnson, M., & Nepal, B. (2017). A Review of Competency-Based Learning: Tools, Assessments and Recommendations. Journal of Engineering Education, 106(4), 607-638. DOI: 10.1007/s40037-018-0481-2
Ionescu, A. M. (2012). How does Education Affect Labor Market Outcomes? Review of Applied Socio-Economic Research, 4(2), 130-144.
Jennifer, S., Ellen, B., & Jessica, H. (2017). Competency-Based Education in a Traditional Higher Education Setting: A Case Study of an Introduction to Psychology Course. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 29(2), 412-428.
Johnstone, S. M., & Soares, L. (2014). Principles for Developing Competency-Based Education Programs, Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 46(2), 12-19. DOI: 10.1080/00091383.2014.896705
Johnstone, S., & Soares, L. (2014). Principles for developing competency-based education programs. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 46(2), 12-19. DOI: 10.1080/00091383.2014.896705.
Kabombwe, Y., & Mulenga, I. (2019). Implementation of the competency-based curriculum by teachers of History in selected Secondary Schools in Lusaka district, Zambia. Yesterday & Today, (22), 19-41. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/ 2223-0386/2019/n22a2
Kafyulilo, A, Rugambuka, I., & Moses, I (2012). The implementation of competency based teaching approaches in Tanzania: The case of pre-service teachers at Morogoro teacher training college. Universal Journal of Education and General Studies, 1(11), 399-347.
Kostikova, I., Viediernikova, T., Holubnycha, L., & Miasoiedova, S. (2019). The Competency-Based Approach to Passing First Certificate in English. Revista Romaneasca pentru Educatie Multidimensionala, 11(1), 117-130. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/100
Kris, C., & Yvonne, S. (2014). College for America: Student-Centered, Competency-Based Education. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 46(6), 6-13. DOI: 10.1080/00091383.2014.969141.
Małgorzata, G., Justyna, K., & Michał, T. (2020). Competencies of graduates as future labor market participants – preliminary study. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 33(1), 1095-1107. DOI: 10.1080/1331677X.2019.1631200
McDonald, N. (2018). A Private, Nonprofit University’s Experiences Designing a Competency-Based Degree for Adult Learners. The Journal of Continuing Higher Education, 66, 34–45. DOI: 10.1080/07377363.2018.1415632
Parson, L., Childs, B., & Elzie, P. (2018). Using Competency-Based Curriculum Design to Createa Health Professions Education Certificate Program that Meets the Needs of Students, Administrators, Faculty and Patients. Health Professions Education, 4, 207–217. DOI .org/10.1016/j.hpe.2018.03.008
Ralf, A. et al. (2020). Does Implementation of Competence-based Education Mediate the Impact of Team Learning on Student Satisfaction? Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 72(4), 516-535. DOI: 10.1080/13636820.2019.1644364
Richard, A., & Bedard-Vorhees, A. (2016). Principles for competency-based Education. In C. Reigeluth, et. al (Eds.), Instructional-Design Theories and Models, Volume IV: The Learner-Centered Paradigm of Education (pp. 33-64). New York, NY: Routledge.
Rodriguez, I., & Gallardo, K. (2017). Redesigning an Educational Technology Course under a Competency-Based Performance Assessment Model. Pedagogika/Pedagogy, 127(3),186–204. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/p.2017.48
Ryan, S., & Cox, J. (2017). Investigating student exposure to competency-based education. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 25(24), 1-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.25.2792
Simonds, J., Behrens, E., & Holzbauer, J. (2017). Competency-Based Education in a Traditional Higher Education Setting: A Case Study of an Introduction to Psychology Course. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 29(2), 412-428.
Sturgis, C., & Casey, K. (2018). Quality principles for competency-based education. Vienna, VA iNACOL. Retrieved from: https://aurora-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/Quality-Principles-Book.pdf
Torres, A., Brett, J., Cox, J., & Greller, S. (2018). Competency Education Implementation: Examining the Influence of Contextual Forces in Three New Hampshire Secondary Schools. AERA Open, 4(2), 1-13. DOI: 10.1177/2332858418782883
Varga, E., Szira, Z., Bardos, K., & Hajos, L. (2016). The Most Relevant Labor Market Competencies for Employers and their Assessment by Students. Practice and Theory in Systems of Education,11(2), 95-104. DOI: 10.1515/ptse-2016-0012
Williams, M., Moser, T., Youngblood, J., & Singer, M. (2015). Competency Based Learning: Proof of Professionalism. Academy of Business Journal, 2, 50-61.
