Choosing a Philosophy
Use this decision framework to select the instructional philosophy that best fits your teaching context, learning objectives, and student needs.
Decision Framework
Match your needs to the right philosophy:
| If you need... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Standardized content coverage | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Flexible, mastery-driven progression | 🎯 Competency-Based |
| Traditional grading (A, B, C, D, F) | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Pass/fail on skill demonstrations | 🎯 Competency-Based |
| Group-paced instruction (cohorts) | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Self-paced learning | 🎯 Competency-Based |
| Compliance/accreditation alignment | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Professional skill development | 🎯 Competency-Based |
| Test preparation (SAT, GRE, etc.) | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Micro-credentials and badges | 🎯 Competency-Based |
| Building foundational knowledge | 📚 Curriculum-Based |
| Targeting specific skill gaps | 🎯 Competency-Based |
📚 When to Use Curriculum-Based
Academic Courses
Traditional courses covering a defined body of knowledge: Introduction to Biology, World History, Literature Survey.
Compliance Training
Required training where specific content must be covered: HIPAA, workplace safety, regulatory compliance.
Test Preparation
Preparing for standardized tests with defined content: SAT, GRE, MCAT, bar exam, CPA exam.
K-12 Standards
Courses aligned to state or national standards: Common Core Math, Next Generation Science Standards.
Accredited Programs
Programs requiring external accreditation: nursing prerequisites, engineering fundamentals.
Foundation Courses
Building blocks for advanced study: introductory statistics, basic chemistry, language fundamentals.
Practical Examples
- Introduction to Biology - Covering cell structure, genetics, ecology in sequence
- World History Survey - Ancient civilizations through modern era
- SAT Math Prep - All topics covered by the exam
- HIPAA Compliance - Required content for healthcare workers
- Chemistry 101 - Foundational concepts for science majors
🎯 When to Use Competency-Based
Professional Development
Skill acquisition for career growth: leadership skills, project management, communication.
Workforce Training
Job-specific competencies: sales techniques, customer service, technical skills.
Technical Bootcamps
Intensive skill programs: coding bootcamps, data science, cloud certifications.
Clinical Skills
Healthcare practitioner training: patient assessment, procedures, clinical reasoning.
Micro-Credentials
Digital badges for verified skills: specific technologies, methodologies, competencies.
Skill Gap Remediation
Targeted improvement of specific weaknesses: writing skills, data analysis, presentation.
Practical Examples
- AI Literacy for Educators - Practical skills for using AI in teaching
- Software Development Bootcamp - Building apps, not just learning theory
- Leadership Development Program - Measurable leadership competencies
- AWS Cloud Certification - Demonstrable cloud skills
- Clinical Nursing Skills - Patient care competencies
Hybrid Approaches
Sometimes the best approach combines elements of both philosophies:
Curriculum Structure + Competency Assessment
Use curriculum to organize content, but assess through competency demonstrations rather than traditional tests.
Foundation → Application
Start with curriculum-based foundational content, then transition to competency-based application and mastery.
Core Curriculum + Elective Competencies
Required content follows curriculum model; optional skill tracks use competency-based progression.
Getting Started
Analyze Your Learning Objectives
Are you focused on content coverage or skill mastery? Do learners need to demonstrate what they know or what they can do? This fundamental question drives your choice.
Consider Your Learners
Do your learners need to progress together (cohort) or at their own pace? Are they preparing for standardized assessments or building practical skills?
Choose Your Framework
Select or create a Curriculum (for curriculum-based) or DSC (for competency-based). You can copy from existing templates or create custom frameworks.
Create Your Class
In the Teacher Dashboard, create a new class and select your framework. The philosophy is determined by the framework type you choose.
Customize with AI Notes
Add AI Notes to guide content generation. For curriculum: per-module notes. For competency: per-level notes (acquire, deepen, create).
Quick Reference
📚 Choose Curriculum If...
- Content must be covered in a specific order
- External standards or accreditation apply
- Learners progress as a cohort
- Traditional grades are required
- Test preparation is the goal
🎯 Choose Competency If...
- Skills must be demonstrated, not just known
- Learners progress at their own pace
- Real-world application is the goal
- Mastery is required before advancement
- Micro-credentials or badges are desired