Side-by-Side Comparison
A comprehensive comparison of Curriculum-Based and Competency-Based instruction across all dimensions to help you make the right choice for your learning context.
Overview
Curriculum-Based
Central Question:
"What content has the learner covered?"
Content-Centric
Time-Based
Competency-Based
Central Question:
"What can the learner do?"
Skill-Focused
Mastery-Based
Full Comparison
| Dimension | 📚 Curriculum-Based | 🎯 Competency-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Central Question | "What content has the learner covered?" | "What can the learner do?" |
| Focus | Content coverage | Skill mastery |
| Time | Fixed (semesters, units, terms) | Variable (until mastery achieved) |
| Mastery | Variable (grades A-F, percentages) | Fixed (must demonstrate proficiency) |
| Progression | By schedule (everyone moves together) | By demonstration (advance when ready) |
| Learning Path | Linear, predetermined sequence | Flexible, mastery-driven |
| Pacing | Group-based, synchronized | Individual, self-paced |
| Assessment Type | Knowledge recall, tests on covered material | Performance demonstrations, real-world application |
| Progress Measure | Content completion, time spent | Demonstrated proficiency |
| Success Criteria | Coverage of material, passing grades | Mastery of defined competencies |
| Personalization | Limited (same content for all) | High (progress at own pace) |
| Framework Type | Curriculum | DSC (Domain-Specific Competency) |
| Framework ID Pattern | dsc-curr-{name} |
dsc-comp-{name} |
| Structure | Domain → Subdomain → Concept | Category → DSC → Proficiency Levels |
| Levels/Depth | Comprehension scale (1-10) | Acquire (1/3) → Deepen (2/3) → Create (3/3) |
Terminology Mapping
The same concepts have different names in each philosophy:
| Generic Term | 📚 Curriculum-Based | 🎯 Competency-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | Curriculum | DSC |
| Learning Unit (singular) | Module | Competency |
| Learning Units (plural) | Modules | Competencies |
| Progress Tracking | Module Progress | Competency Progress |
| Completion Status | Modules Completed | Competencies Mastered |
| Top-Level Category | Domain | Competency Category |
| Mid-Level Category | Subdomain | Domain-Specific Competency |
| Specific Item | Concept | Proficiency Level |
Dynamic Terminology in UALS
The UI automatically displays the correct terminology based on the class's philosophy.
See Philosophy-Sensitive Design for implementation details.
Data Formats
📚 Curriculum-Based Request
{
"system": "KE",
"config": {
"domain": "Mathematics",
"subdomain": "Calculus",
"concept": "Derivatives",
"comprehension": 5,
"style": "visual"
}
}
🎯 Competency-Based Request
{
"module": "KE",
"competency_category": "AI Literacy",
"domain_specific_competency": "AI Capabilities",
"proficiency_level": "2/3",
"meta_category": "STEM"
}
Philosophy Detection
UALS automatically detects which philosophy to use based on request parameters:
- Curriculum: Presence of
domain,subdomain,concept - Competency: Presence of
competency_category,domain_specific_competency,proficiency_level
Learning Systems Comparison
Both philosophies have access to the same learning systems, with content adapted accordingly:
| System | 📚 Curriculum Mode | 🎯 Competency Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 🗺️ Knowledge Explorer | Concept maps with topic relationships | Skill maps with competency connections |
| 💬 Socratic Playground | Guided practice on specific topics | Skill-building through scenarios |
| 📝 SBCAT Assessment | Tests on covered material | Per-competency proficiency tracking |
Universal Template Principle
The UI templates are identical across both philosophies. Only the content and prompts differ.
Learners get a consistent, familiar experience regardless of the instructional approach.