Learning Methodologies and Approaches
Competency-Based Learning
What is Competency-Based Learning?
Competency-based learning is an approach that focuses on developing clearly defined skills, behaviours, and capabilities. Progress is based on demonstrating competence rather than time spent learning. In vocational education settings, such as the Australian VET sector, this approach must align with national standards, units of competency, and oversight from bodies like ASQA.
Why does Competency-Based Learning matter?
This approach matters because it ties learning directly to performance. In the VET sector, it ensures training aligns to units of competency and meets national requirements, enabling formal recognition of skills. For organisations outside VET, it still provides clarity on the capabilities that drive performance and supports targeted development.
What should Competency-Based Learning include?
What organisational or strategic elements are involved in Competency-Based Learning?
It requires clear capability expectations and alignment to business goals. In VET programs, competencies must also reflect the requirements of units of competency and training packages, as well as ASQA standards. Emergent Learning is highly effective at helping organisations define competencies that reflect real tasks and performance needs.
What analytical processes or methodologies are involved in Competency-Based Learning?
This includes analysing job requirements, mapping skills, and identifying behaviours needed for success. Emergent Learning supports organisations to ground these decisions in real work so the framework remains practical and relevant.
What implementation or resource considerations are involved in Competency-Based Learning?
Implementation involves developing competency statements, designing learning activities, and establishing assessment methods. In VET contexts, this may also include mapping assessment tasks to units of competency. Emergent Learning helps teams build structures that are clear, easy to use, and aligned to workplace expectations.
What results or outcomes does Competency-Based Learning produce?
It leads to clearer expectations, more focused development, and greater consistency in capability across teams.
What partnership or support elements are required?
Strong collaboration between managers, SMEs, and L&D helps ensure consistent interpretation of competencies. Emergent Learning supports these conversations so the framework is applied correctly.
What cost or investment factors influence decisions about Competency-Based Learning?
Strong collaboration between managers, SMEs, and L&D helps ensure consistent interpretation of competencies. Emergent Learning supports these conversations so the framework is applied correctly.
What does an effective Competency-Based Learning process look like?
Where do I start?
Start by identifying the roles involved and the capabilities they require. If the approach connects to the VET sector, review relevant training packages and the units of competency that apply. Emergent Learning can help teams establish a strong foundation so the framework is grounded in real work.
What is involved in building it?
Develop the competency statements, structure the framework, and design supporting learning or assessment activities. In VET settings, this includes mapping assessment tasks to units of competency and confirming evidence requirements. Emergent Learning ensures competencies are clear, observable, and easy to understand.
What does the process produce?
The process produces a competency framework and related learning materials that guide capability development. It should be easy to explain and use in everyday work.
What is the expected outcome?
The outcome is improved performance and clearer expectations across roles. Over time, organisations often see stronger consistency and better capability. Emergent Learning can help embed and refine the framework so it continues to deliver value.
How can organisations improve their approach to Competency-Based Learning?
How can we create clearer pathways for Competency-Based Learning?
Make competency expectations visible and easy to understand. Emergent Learning helps translate complex skills into simple, practical descriptions.
How do we make Competency-Based Learning relevant across roles?
Use role-specific examples and activities so the competencies feel relevant and applied.
How can we deliver Competency-Based Learning consistently?
Use shared templates, guidance, and standard formats. Emergent Learning supports consistency by designing frameworks that teams can apply with confidence.
How do we measure whether Competency-Based Learning is effective?
Review whether clarity improves and capability gaps reduce. Feedback from managers and real performance data helps shape ongoing improvements.
How does Competency-Based Learning apply in real organisations?
Organisations define capability expectations for role families.
VET providers map learning and assessment to relevant units of competency.
Leaders use competency guides to support coaching conversations.
Teams build capability plans based on specific competency needs.