WGU ASSESSMENT COMPETENCIES

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit, online university that offers competency-based degree programs to students. The university’s competency-based approach to education focuses on mastery of skills and knowledge rather than the accumulation of credit hours. To ensure that students are mastering the necessary skills and knowledge, WGU utilizes assessments in each of its degree programs. These assessments are designed to measure a student’s mastery of the competencies associated with their program.

Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that a student should have when they complete a degree program. WGU’s degree programs are designed around a set of competencies that are relevant to the industry or field of study. These competencies are identified through collaboration with industry experts and employers. They are then integrated into the curriculum of the degree program, with each course focusing on specific competencies.

Assessments are used to measure a student’s mastery of the competencies associated with their program. The assessments at WGU come in various forms, including objective exams, performance assessments, and capstone projects. The objective exams are multiple-choice exams that test a student’s knowledge of the course material. Performance assessments, on the other hand, require students to demonstrate their mastery of a skill or competency through the completion of a task or project. Capstone projects are comprehensive projects that require students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout their degree program to solve a real-world problem or issue.

WGU’s competency-based approach to education and the use of assessments to measure mastery has several benefits for students. Firstly, it allows students to learn at their own pace. Students can move through the course material as quickly or as slowly as they need to in order to master the competencies. This means that students who have prior knowledge or experience in a particular area can move through the material more quickly, while those who need more time to grasp a concept can take as much time as they need.

Secondly, the use of assessments to measure mastery ensures that students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their chosen field. The assessments are aligned with the competencies identified by industry experts and employers, ensuring that the skills and knowledge learned are relevant and up-to-date.

Finally, the use of assessments provides students with immediate feedback on their progress. Rather than waiting until the end of the semester or course to receive a grade, students receive feedback on their mastery of a competency as soon as they complete an assessment. This allows students to identify areas where they need additional help and focus their efforts on improving their mastery of specific competencies.

There are several key competencies that are assessed in each of WGU’s degree programs. These competencies are aligned with the needs of the industry or field of study and are designed to ensure that students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. Some of the key competencies that are assessed at WGU include:

Communication Skills

Effective communication is a critical skill in nearly every industry and field of study. WGU assesses students’ communication skills through a variety of performance assessments and capstone projects. These assessments require students to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and presentation.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The ability to think critically and solve problems is essential in today’s rapidly changing world. WGU assesses students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills through objective exams, performance assessments, and capstone projects. These assessments require students to demonstrate their ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and make decisions.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are increasingly important in today’s job market. WGU assesses students’ technical skills through a variety of objective exams, performance assessments, and capstone projects. These assessments require students to demonstrate their proficiency in using specific software or technology, as well as their ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems.

Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are essential in many industries, particularly in management and business. WGU assesses students’ leadership skills through performance assessments and capstone projects. These assessments require students to demonstrate their ability to lead teams, make decisions, and manage resources effectively.

Ethics and Professionalism

Ethics and professionalism are critical skills for success in any field. WGU assesses students’ ethics and professionalism through performance assessments and capstone projects. These assessments require students to demonstrate their ability to act ethically and professionally in a variety of situations.

WGU’s competency-based approach to education and the use of assessments to measure mastery has been praised by educators and employers alike. Many employers appreciate the focus on mastery of skills and knowledge rather than the accumulation of credit hours. This ensures that students are well-prepared for the workforce and have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

In addition, WGU’s assessments are designed to be rigorous and challenging. They are intended to ensure that students are truly mastering the competencies associated with their degree program. As a result, graduates of WGU are well-prepared for their chosen careers and are often seen as highly competent and knowledgeable by employers.

WGU also provides extensive support to students as they work to master the competencies associated with their degree program. This support includes access to course mentors, program mentors, and a variety of online resources. Course mentors are subject-matter experts who can provide students with additional guidance and support as they work through the course material. Program mentors are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals and can provide guidance on course selection, career planning, and more.

In conclusion, WGU’s competency-based approach to education and the use of assessments to measure mastery has several benefits for students. It allows students to learn at their own pace, ensures that students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, and provides immediate feedback on progress. The competencies assessed at WGU are aligned with the needs of the industry or field of study and are designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for their chosen careers. With extensive support from course mentors, program mentors, and online resources, students at WGU are well-positioned to succeed in their degree programs and in their chosen careers.