Competency Based Learning - K Bhanumoorthy

 

Competency based teaching-learning:

A quote from CLAY P. BEDFORD:

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”

Introduction:

The competency-based teaching is a new approach (an innovative) in teaching- learning process. The word competency means skills, efficient, rather to enhance the abilities, working strategies. First and foremost, the phobia in the subject say mathematics is to be removed, create interest in the subject, the reasons why to study mathematics to be mentioned. Students are three kinds, some are visual, some auditory, some are kinesthetic.

 Teaching methods to be cater to the needs of all kinds of students. Students progress is important, one has to work with vision and mission to see the students acquire skills to solve HOTS (High order thinking skills). The very important aspect how far the learning has taken place and to meet and answer the challenging questions. I would say at least, the minimum level of learning (MLL) should have taken place. In this aspect two people are involved, one teacher and the other the student. 

Of course, the involvement and encouragement of parents are essential. The environment to say HOME, has to be congenial for proper learning. In brief parents have to trust their wards at the same time watch them, guide them then and there, if they are in wrong path. We human beings are blessed with sensory organs. Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin. One has to make good use of them. In the class room, eyes and ears are used. 

One has to make best use of them. It’s a matter of pride and pleasure, how one sharpens his/her perception skills. I could make a suggestion. The competency-based teaching could be started right from middle classes (6 to higher secondary), so that there is gradual learning with more confidence and without any stress. It goes without saying teachers to be trained periodically to update their skills. (To adopt changes as and when required)    

Benefits by this approach:

1.      Students acquire skills, be aware of the knowledge acquired, where it is applied in our daily life, linkage with other subjects especially with science.  

2.      To attain proficiency and grip over the subject whatever study.

3.      There is conceptual learning and no rote learning.

4.      There are many methods. Generally, a class is heterogeneous, students are of different calibres. This method/approach is based on students centred.

5.      In the long run help students to write competitive exams, Olympiads, entrance exams ----. Shall definitely help and choose academic career of his/her choice.

Role of teachers:

1.      To train the students where to apply, what has been learnt, the knowledge.

2.      Nowadays collaborative learning is under practice, to be incorporated.

3.      Students are to be encouraged to participate in class room discussion and should not have fear to clarify doubts with teacher.

4.      To link the previous knowledge acquired to the new topic whatever is being taught, there by fear complex is removed/ vanished. There is horizontal as well as vertical integration of each subject. (Students do move from one class to next higher class.)

5.      To solve a question step by step, by involvement of students.

6.      Students are to be told what to study, how to study and why to study. There may be more than a section in a class, if necessary, the teachers have to change the approach depends on students’ calibre, understanding abilities.

7.      Students may be trained and be encouraged to solve, under open-ended approach, so to say solving using different methods using the given data.

8.      To give names of reference books for practice (as there will be some questions apart from the textbook). To refer the syllabus prescribed.

9.      To develop and make an impact, creating curiosity, creativity, thinking aspects (abstract, analytical, divergent, critical, logical----)

10.  To evaluate the progress of students periodically, students are to be guided and encouraged for setting their Goals in academic career.

(Suggestion: Teachers have to keep some time for students’ interaction -to say 10 minutes for interaction out of 45 minutes class duration)

To conclude, every individual is unique, hidden with lots of talents. We are fully aware that teachers are nation builders. I am sure teachers’ fraternity shall dig out and bring the hidden talents to the surface.

Note: There are many subjects to study. I am confined to mathematics teaching - learning aspects.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere---Chinese proverb.

--------------- be continued with questions on various topics of different classes.