Here is where things get unique. The second pillar of the ProficiencyBuilder Model consists of specifically-selected features within competency-based education, or CBE, and CBE's approach to language program design called competency-based language teaching, or CBLT. You may have heard that the U.S. has seen significant growth toward CBE in recent years. "In 2012, there were about 20 CBE higher education programs in the United States. Today there are more than 500" (Sturgis, 2017).

 

However, unlike with traditional CBE programs, students will not be advancing through curriculum demonstrating competencies using life experiences on a computer; language learning is not maximized with learners using only a computer to progress (Inlingua, 2017). Therefore, the ProficiencyBuilder Model views face-to-face seat time as still critical to the language-learning process. Remember, in higher education, "we are in the midst of waves of innovation related to CBE, personalization, deeper learning, and blended learning" (Public Agenda, 2015).

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Some key CBE/CBLT features inside the ProficiencyBuilder Model include:

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• Multiple opportunities to demonstrate competency

• Homework and participation are opportunities for practice

• Emphasis on demonstrating competencies that are congruent with real-world situations

• Immediate and personalized corrective feedback

• Learner development of metacogitative awareness 

• Self-paced work

• Role of instructor is not only facilitator, but coach and locator of resources

• Explicit stages of proficiency development

• Use of technology that is relevant and engaging

• Modular design capped with real-world assessments 

• A modified acceleration process that incentivizes language learning for students who wish to advance quickly

• Students who drop or fail - for whatever reason - are able to bring any completed competencies with them; they can “keep” the progress they made

• Application of language through engaging, personalized cultural interactions

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Don't worry. I'll explain how all this comes together and what it looks like later. For now, just take it in as best you can. Of course, if you'd like to learn more about CBE or CBLT, click here.

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Now, let's read about the final pillar of the ProficiencyBuilder Model: standards-based education (SBE). Click below to continue.

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