Question

Compare the subject-centred approach and competency-based approach. Write

any two advantages and limitations of these approaches.

Answer 1

Subject centered approach involves dividing the knowledge into portions that needs to be taught at different times and later testing using exams to see whether they were well understood whereas competency based approach involves assessment, testing and reporting of what one has learnt and basically it is done at the pace of the leaner.
Advantages of competency based learning are:it is engaging in that the student is involved through assessment, it is flexible since it is done at the student's pace.
The disadvantages are:it is time consuming and sometimes the students focuss more on the assessment rather than the assignment.
Advantages of subject oriented :it allows the learner to get the content, it motivates the learner to work hard.
The disadvantages:it more of quantitative than qualitative, it does not give the learner time to gain the content.

Answer 2

Subject-centred approach

In 1949 Ralph Tyler laid out the subject-centred curriculum in his book, Basic Principles of Curriculum and Instruction. It is also called the knowledge-centred curriculum. It is a traditional model. It is the most commonly used method.

Advantages

1. Subject-centred approach focuses on one subject at a time.

2. It allows the student to study the subject in which he is interested.

Disadvantages

1. No effort is made to integrate the knowledge gained in different subjects in this method.

2. It does not engage the students.

 

Competency based approach

Competency based learning refers to systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting which are based on the students' demonstration that they have learned the skills and acquired the knowledge that they are expected to learn during the course of their education. Competency based training and education is used in learning concrete skills instead of abstract learning.

Advantages

1. Competency based approach is very beneficial for independent and adult learners. It allows the students to work at their own pace to demonstrate their mastery of a subject.

2. This method is flexible and depends on the individual learner.

Disadvantages

1. This method does not work well with all learning environments.

2. The student's focus is on the assessment instead of completing the assignments.