Professional Competencies in Computing Education

Abstract

Competency-based learning has been a successful pedagogical approach for centuries, but only recently has it gained traction within computing. Competencies, as defined in Computing Curricula 2020, comprise knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions. Building on recent developments in competency and computing education, this working group examined relevant pedagogical theories, investigates various skill frameworks, reviewed competencies and standard practices in other professional disciplines such as medicine and law. It also investigated the integrative nature of content knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions in defining professional competencies in computing education. In addition, the group explored appropriate pedagogies and competency assessment approaches. It also developed guidelines for evaluating student achievement against relevant professional competency frameworks and explores partnering with employers to offer students genuine professional experience. Finally, possible challenges and opportunities in moving from traditional knowledge-based to competency-based education were also examined. This report makes recommendations to inspire educators of future computing professionals and smooth students' transition from academia to employment.

Authors 12

1. Rajendra K. Raj

   Rochester Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA

2. Mihaela Sabin

   University of New Hampshire at Manchester

   Affiliation as printed

   University of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH, USA

3. John Impagliazzo

   Hofstra University

   Affiliation as printed

   Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

4. David Bowers

   The Open University

   Affiliation as printed

   The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

5. Mats Daniels

   Uppsala University

   Affiliation as printed

   Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

6. Felienne Hermans Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands

7. Natalie Kiesler

   Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

   Affiliation as printed

   Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany

8. Amruth N. Kumar

   Ramapo College

   Affiliation as printed

   Ramapo College of NJ, Mahwah, NJ, USA

9. Bonnie MacKellar

   St. John's University

   Affiliation as printed

   St. John's University, New York, NY, USA

10. Renée A. McCauley

    College of Charleston

    Affiliation as printed

    College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA

11. Syed Waqar Nabi

    University of Glasgow

    Affiliation as printed

    University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

12. Michael J. Oudshoorn

    High Point University

    Affiliation as printed

    High Point University, High Point, NC, USA