Analysis of Competency Assessments Used in an Upper-Level Soil Fertility Course

Competency-based assessments are a common tool used to increase retention and understanding for students in university courses. This analysis of competency assessments in an upper-level soil science course focuses on both the measurable, quantitative impact of the use of competency assessments on student learning as well as the qualitative student perceptions of their use when a compulsory mastery of the assessment was required. This study utilizes data from two years of the course over which the competency assessments and mastery of the content on the assessment to a required 100% was introduced to examine the impact on student learning. Quantitatively, the results of the study are mixed as a result of the compulsory mastery of the content. However, through focus groups, students expressed value and an appreciation of the competency assessments in learning and retaining course material. This analysis expresses the importance of not only the measurable impact of teaching practices, but also the perception of those practices by students.