Some Observations on Competency Based Instruction

Abstract

This article summarizes the authors' observations derived over the course of 3 years of research and experimentation with competency based instruction. While the intent of this project has been the development of a prototype graduate level training model to prepare curriculum consultants for exceptional children, the model, processes, and experiences are generalizable to the range of training needs in special education. The primary goals of the project involve (a) the establishment of an empirical basis for the identification of competencies and (b) the design of instructional modules as the principal mode of training. The observations reported here are categorized into four areas of concern: developmental processes, module features, student response, and program concerns.