Two definitions most often used by adult educators to describe competency-based adult education (CBAE) are one posited by Spady (1977) and another formulated by state adult basic education directors. The first, a "prescriptive-consensual" definition, describes conditions of a phenomenon (CBAE) and relies on the experience of acknowledged experts,…

When selecting a multimedia producer, it is important to know how they do their work and the quality of their products. Factors include who is in control of the process, personal comfort with the production team, and their instructional capability. (JOW)

Discusses competency-based education programs and offers evaluation criteria for measuring the effectiveness of such programs. (FL)

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, the author provides an overview of center activities, including contributions in the areas of competency-based education, leadership development, equity and access, policy planning and evaluation, developing linkages, and dissemination of…

Task performance measures are criterion-referenced tests that can improve the effectiveness, accountability, and control of vocational training programs. They provide the means for basing instruction and evaluation on job performance requirements rather than arbitrarily derived subject matter. (JOW)

An exploration of performance-based education is focused through these questions: What image of human beings does it project? What image of professionals does it project? What purpose does it serve? What image of knowledge does it project? (CT)

Underscores the problems of misunderstanding and misrepresentation in competency-based education (CBE). Proposes a definition of CBE, acknowledging that it must be adapted to individual colleges. Offers a rationale for adopting a CBE framework and provides an inventory model to facilitate the assessment of the quality of a CBE program. (CAM)

Traces the history and philosophy of core skills. Suggests that, although the way they are used in training and vocational education has positively changed the way skills are viewed, the approach is narrow in outlook, especially the General National Vocational Qualifications, and may not serve the best interests of industry or society. (Author/JOW)

Defines the concept of competency-based adult education (CBAE) and maintains that it is not a curriculum, but an adult education process emphasizing individualized instruction, learner goals, functional literacy, and other life skills. Discusses the importance of program evaluation, adult teaching/learning principles, and the teacher's role in…

A competency-based systems approach to job training is presented that ensures that trainees are taught the knowledge and skills essential for successful job performance. The procedural model for this instructional system is comprised of five phases: analyze, design, develop, implement, and control. Each phase is described in detail. (CT)

Proposes a two-level decision model to evaluate educational programs by types of learners they generate as well as the utility and cost of the program. Decision rules based on the underlying requirement that each learner reach self-sufficiency are described. (Author/BK)

Examines the concept of national standards, outcome statements, and other terms of competency for visual arts education. Argues that they are representational concepts that require interpretation by teachers and, as such, run counter to educational goals of establishing an unambiguous link between subject matter and guaranteed levels of student…

Use of educational technology does not necessarily ensure educational quality unless objectives, curriculum, and the notion of competency are clearly defined. This article explores the importance of identifying competency, which is composed of domain-specific facts, knowledge, and cognitive skills. Recognition of the competency paradigm enables…

Outcome-based educational philosophical principles and program characteristics are described, with a focus on changes in the management of time, students, instructional resources, and testing required of both teachers and administrators by such programs. Outcome-based approaches require an instructional management system that is assessment-driven…

Effective assessment is crucial to outcome-based learning programs. One choice to be made in such programs is whether assessment of student learning should be carried out within course structures or external to them. Advantages to each approach are suggested. The overall recommendation is for external assessment. (Author/MLW)