Developmental Education and the University College: A Competency-Based Approach to Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Developmental education can help college-level curriculum planners identify competency objectives in social sciences, humanities, and the natural sciences. Developmental education is interpreted as learning that helps an individual develop the abilities necessary for pursuing personal and social goals. Abilities, differing at each stage of human growth, include cognitive; affective; interpersonal; social; moral ethical; and psychomotor. Modules based on developmental education concepts include a variety of objectives, materials, and skills which can be rearranged to meet individual student needs. Modules should be collected in a library so that they can be integrated into other courses and used as independent study resources. For each module, information should be available on objectives, entry level knowledge required, staff requirements, materials, and time necessary to complete the module. The conclusion is that the type of competency-based training encouraged by developmental education is useful in helping students develop academic and daily life skills. (Author/DB)