An Examination of Higher Education Faculty Buy-In to Competency-Based Education

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the buy-in factors of attitude, perception, readiness, and support by exploring the incidence of faculty buy-in, determining the effect of faculty classification on competency-based education buy-in, and predicting the likelihood of faculty in specific academic colleges to buy into competency-based education. A total of 149 identified course instructors for Fall 2016 at a Southeastern U.S. public, four year, comprehensive university completed an online survey about their buy-in to competency-based education. Findings revealed approximately 86% of the faculty have a positive attitude toward competency-based education, but only about 22% feel ready to participate in a competency-based education program. Participants had an overall positive attitude, perception, and support of competency-based education, but the majority of participants were unsure of their readiness for competency-based education. Faculty cited weaknesses with competency-based education particularly around the fundamental change in education they see with this new structure, how it will affect their roles and responsibilities, and how they will get training to help implement this program. Limitations of the study are addressed and recommendations for future research are provided.