Promoting competency-based education through the development of a competency model: lessons learned from a change perspective

Competency-based education is linked to a shift from content to competencies. This shift does not happen automatically but requires a change process with corresponding strategies. Based on a case study it is outlined and linked to change strategies how developing a competency model can be a necessary and worthwhile step in this change process towards competency-based education. Main lessons learned include the support of management, a project team with a mandate and a joint, iterative development process as key success factors. Moreover, implementation needs at least as much effort and energy as the development and is an ongoing task including faculty development and taking visible actions. The lessons learned from this case support previous findings of successful change strategies for higher-education institutions.