News
Thu, 11/07/2024
Project-Based Learning: A Game Changer for Teacher Professional Development
Our recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Kansas Center for Competency-Based Education (C3Be) explored how Project-Based Learning can reshape teacher professional development by fostering collaboration, inquiry, and supportive instructional practices.
Tue, 10/15/2024
Using Design Thinking to Create Human-Centered Assessments
Many students find traditional assessments stressful and unreflective of their abilities. C3Be at KU is rethinking assessment development using design thinking, a human-centered approach that emphasizes the test-taker’s experience. By utilizing the Innovator’s Compass, a tool that guides designers to focus on the people involved, C3Be aims to create assessments that are more equitable, engaging, and effective.
Fri, 06/07/2024
Relational Readiness: What is it? Why does it matter? How do you measure it?
“Ready” means someone is prepared and willing. Relational readiness means that someone is ready for relationships. This term describes a set of personal characteristics that enable the development of healthy, supportive relationships. Put another way, a person who is “relationally ready” is prepared and willing to develop relationships with other...
Wed, 03/13/2024
C3Be Director Diane DeBacker Reflects on the CBExchange Asia-Pacific Conference
Diane DeBacker, the director of AAI’s Center for Certification & Competency-Based Education (C3Be), participated in the CBExchange Asia-Pacific conference in Singapore, an annual event hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN). The conference served as a platform for C3Be to showcase their projects that help make learning visible. Furthermore, it...
Wed, 02/28/2024
Participant Reflections from C3Be's Designing for Equity, Justice, and Innovation in Education Pilot Program
C3Be's Designing for Equity, Justice, And Innovation in Education Pilot Program was a 14-week virtual professional development opportunity for educators serving middle and high school students. Three participants shared their reflections and thoughts on the pilot program and how it helped them deepen their practices as educators.
Tue, 02/07/2023
How Competency-Based Education Can Address the Experience Conundrum
Founded in 2021, C3Be’s main goal is to improve learning by better communicating the learning outcomes mastered by learners and the competencies needed by employers. Simply put, C3Be makes learning visible. Diane DeBacker, director of C3Be, describes competency-based education as “moving from nouns to verbs.”
Thu, 01/14/2021
New KU research center to map clearer pathways from learning outcomes to employment success
C3Be will develop a framework to gather information about the knowledge, skills and dispositions that employers desire from workers in particular fields; to assess the competencies that learners gain through university coursework and other experiences; and to validate that learners have mastered certain competencies so businesses can be confident that employees will be successful in their jobs.