Competency-Based Classrooms
I spent two years teaching in a school that embraced competency-based learning, as discussed in the article by Katie Varatta. Students were given an assessment of math and reading skills, and then scheduled a plan based on that information. As a result I had students of all ages learning to master fractions, or a multi-grade level group sitting and discussing a book they'd all been reading together. My favorite story from this time, involved a student who had failed algebra three times. He felt completely helpless when tackling it, and was defeated. His parents were determined to try a new approach and enrolled him in our school. During his intial assessment, we discovered that he had no understanding of fractions. He could not even correctly identify 1/2. He then set about to mastering this missing skill which he rapidly did. He then went on to successfully complete algebra - earning high marks on his exams. The contrast between this students past school experiences, and the success he found in a competency-based program highlight what works well when students are allowed to master skills before moving on. This student had been advanced year after year and always struggling because of this one glaring gap in his math education. Once this gap was addressed and master, he was able to move forward with success. Simply moving him along, and even hiring tutors to help him with his algebra were useless because he had not mastered a previous and neccessary skill. I've also had experience with this, using Khan Academy with my students. My 5th and 6th graders worked their way through a series of lessons teaching JavaScript, Html/CSS and SQL. Students moved at their own pace, and some raced quickly through the early lessons. The best experiences from this activity was the community of learners created in this environment. Students helped each other, and cheered each other on. Best of all, because I was also completing the same lessons, students would teach me and help me through lessons that they had already completed. There was a corporate recognition that some students found certain lessons easier than others and could help those who struggled, but later those same "experts" might need help on a different lesson. It was a beautiful environment where everyone - student and teacher were learners. Which is not to say that the complications addressed in the article aren't real. Managing a large group of people working on different levels and on different skills can be very complicated. Utilizing students and working with small groups who are struggling with the same skill are the best ways to manage such a diverse learning environment.
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AuthorJen has been teaching school for awhile now. She's learned some stuff, but she's got tons more to learn. Archives
October 2017
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