Instructional Philosophies
UALS supports multiple instructional philosophies, allowing educators to choose the approach that best fits their teaching context, learning objectives, and student needs.
Choose Your Approach
UALS currently supports two primary instructional philosophies:
Curriculum-Based
Content organized by domains, subdomains, and concepts. Focus on structured knowledge coverage with sequential progression.
Competency-Based
Skills-focused learning through measurable competencies. Learners progress by demonstrating mastery at each level.
Quick Comparison
| Dimension | Curriculum-Based | Competency-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Central Question | "What content has the learner covered?" | "What can the learner do?" |
| Time | Fixed (semesters, units) | Variable (until mastery) |
| Mastery | Variable (grades A-F) | Fixed (must demonstrate) |
| Progression | By schedule | By demonstration |
| Assessment | Knowledge recall | Performance application |
| Framework Type | Curriculum | DSC (Domain-Specific Competency) |
| Terminology | Modules, Units, Lessons | Competencies, Skills, Levels |
Learning Systems
Both philosophies have access to the same powerful learning systems:
Knowledge Explorer (KE)
Deep-dive exploration with concept maps, explanations, and interactive content. Great for understanding complex topics.
Learn MoreSocratic Playground (SPL)
Interactive tutoring with AI agents using the Socratic method. Guided practice through questioning and dialogue.
Learn MoreScenario-Based CAT (SBCAT)
Adaptive testing with real-world scenarios. Continuous assessment with per-competency or per-module tracking.
Learn MoreWhen to Use Each Philosophy
- Teaching traditional academic courses with standardized content
- Compliance training where specific content must be covered
- Building foundational knowledge systematically
- Preparing for standardized tests (SAT, GRE, etc.)
- Courses with external accreditation requirements
- Professional development focused on skill acquisition
- Workforce training with specific job competencies
- Personalized learning allowing self-paced progression
- Skill-gap remediation targeting specific weaknesses
- Micro-credentials and badges for verified skills
Key Concepts
Universal Template Principle
Both philosophies use identical UI templates. Only the content and prompts differ - learners get a consistent experience.
Philosophy Detection
UALS automatically detects the philosophy based on request parameters and routes to the appropriate content generation.
AI Notes
Teachers can add custom instructions for each competency or module to guide AI content generation.
Scenario Context
Set class-level context to ground all content in relevant real-world situations for your learners.