Competence map

Draft

Definition

In a competence map, curriculum content is described in terms of interrelated competencies rather than in terms of fragmented or disassociated knowledge, skills and attitudes. (Stoof et al., 2007:348)

See also: learning e-portfolio, lesson planning

Architecture of a comptence map

Structure of a comptence map

According to Stoof et al. (2007:348)

Competence maps typically consist of three parts:

• The first part contains competence descriptions, which provide detailed information about each competency that is distinguished in a certain domain or profession. A competence description may contain information about its output or results, its relationships with other competencies, the elements making up the competency, and an example of the competency in practice. [...]
• The second part of a competence map consists of a competence framework or figure, which is a visual summary of the competence descriptions. A competence figure can be used as an aid to quickly communicate what a competence map is about.
• The third part of a competence map contains general information about the domain, the goal, and definitions used.

The most important element for instructional designs are the competence descriptions.

Dimensions of competence

Stoof et al (2007:349) acknowledge that competence can be defined in manners that suit specific situations. They however point out six important dimensions found in an analysis of 16 competence maps and that designers should think about when creating competence maps:

1. levels: can competencies can be subdivided, e.g. in starting level, advanced level, and experienced level ?
2. context: are competencies connected to real world phenomena, e.g. example tasks, roles, functions or situations ?
3. relationships, are competencies are related to each other ?
4. elements, are competencies composed of several parts, e.g. knowledge, skills and attitudes ?
5. output, can competencies lead to specific outcomes, such as a product or service, or behavior in general ?
6. kinds, are there more competencies than just professional competencies, such as learning competencies, career competencies and competencies that are general to all kinds of professions ?

Phases and steps in developing competence maps

Stoof et al (2007:352) identify 4 phases:

• The initiation phase: the user makes preparations for the construction of the competence map, by composing a project team and writing a project plan.
• The construction phase: the competence map is developed in several steps. The whole procecure draws on the kind of qualitative research methods that are for example being used in policy analysis (e.g. Miles and Huberman).

1. • definition of a standard format (including categories)
   • data collection (e.g. from practitioners)
   • data analysis (using the format)
   • organization of comptetencies (including a visual format)
   • addition of general information (such as goals and domain of concept map).

• The validation phase: subject matter experts validate the competence map. If necessary, the competence map has to be adjusted and validated again.
• The acknowledgement phase: the competence map is formally acknowledged by stakeholders and is ready for implementation in the curriculum.

Tools

Stoof et al. (2006, 2007) argue that four aids seem to be particularly useful:

1. Task managers focus on the procedure to be followed and provide descriptions of methods, rules, regulations, and directions for doing the task. They guide users in executing (sub-) tasks, provide feedback, and enable users to check whether a step has been completed.
2. Construction kits: “a set of prefabricated parts that can be assembled into a variety of working models which can then be taken to pieces. (Stoof, 2006:190)”.
3. Phenomenaria: “an area for the specific purpose of presenting phenomena and making them accessible to scrutiny and manipulation. It contains extractions, simplifications, simulations, or models of the real world.” (Stoof, 2006:191).
4. 'Information banks: provide “explicit information about several topics. It explains phenomena, names causes, gives background information, provides guidelines for performing particular tasks, and so forth.” (Stoof, 2006:191).

COMET

COMET is a loose acronym for Competency Modeling Toolkit.

Stoof et al. (2006) studied wether a combination of a construction kit, phenomenarium, and information bank could help designers, i.e. improve the process quality of making a competence map.

“In a factorial design, eight conditions with all possible combinations of construction kits (present or absent), phenomenaria (present or absent) and information banks (full or condensed) were compared. (p. 204).”. Results indicated that availability of a construction kit enhanced percieved support and control however at the cost of taking more time. The phenomeniarium both improved perceived support and control, even in the absence of the construction kit. Finally, the information bank did not have any effect on process quality.

Links

• COMET | the competency modelling toolkit (in Dutch).

References

• Fletcher, S. (1997). Analysing competence: Tools and techniques for analyzing jobs, roles and functions. London: Kogan Page

• Miles, B. M., & Huberman, A. M. (1984). Qualitative data analysis. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage publications.

• Mulcahy, D. (2000). Turning the contradictions of competence: Competency-based training and beyond. Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 52, 259-279.

• Stoof, Angela; Rob L. Martens and Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer (2007). Web-based support for constructing competence maps: design and formative evaluation, Educational Technology Research and Development, 55 (4). Abstract/PDF (Access restricted).

• Stoof, Angela; Rob L. Martens and Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer (2006).Effects of Web-based Support for the Construction of Competence Maps, Instructional Science 34 (3), 189-211. DOI 10.1007/s11251-006-0003-1 (Access restricted).

• Stoof, A., Martens, R. L., & van Merriënboer, J.J.G. (2005). Web-based support for constructing competence maps: design and formative evaluation. Manuscript submitted for publication

• Stoof, A., Martens, R.L., Merriënboer, J.J.G., Bastiaens, T.J. (2002) "The boundary approach of competence: a constructivist aid for understanding and using the concept of competence" Human Resource Development Review 1: 345-365

• Tilman, H., Stoof, A. (2002) "Communicatie als kritische succesfactor bij het ontwikkelen van competentiegerichte beroepsprofielen [Communication as critical success factor in developing competence-based professional profiles]" TH&MA 3: 53