Wax On, Wax Off

Lewis Carr takes Competency-Based Learning Lessons from Mr Miyagi

As an avid reader of Dirtyword, you are probably aware of our fascination with 80s movies. Last month, we were working on a real-world project involving competency-based learning. We discussed how “The Karate Kid” provides a perfect analogy for competency-based learning, with Mr. Miyagi as the quintessential CBL instructor, and we thought this would be a perfect fit for Dirtyword.

While it might seem like a modern concept, the principles of CBL have been around for decades (just like us and our 80s obsession).

Before I delve into my over-egged LaRusso analogy, let’s briefly define competency based learning. CBL is an educational approach that focuses on mastery of specific skills or “competencies” rather than on time spent in a SCORM package. In a CBL dojo, learners progress at their own pace, moving on to new skills only when they’ve demonstrated mastery of previous ones.

Key principles of CBL include:

• Clear, specific learning objectives

• Personalised learning paths

• Immediate, constructive feedback

• Emphasis on application and real-world relevance

• Flexible pacing

• Mastery before progression

Now, the fun part, and I won’t apologise for milking my movie analogy (cos it’s ace). Let’s discuss how Mr. Miyagi embodies these principles in his unorthodox karate training methods.

When Daniel LaRusso seeks karate training from Mr. Miyagi, he expects a traditional (classroom-style) approach. Having seen the Cobra Kai guys lined up in rows punching the air and kicking ass, Daniel expects all karate to be taught in this way.

Instead, he finds himself embroiled in child-labour, waxing cars, painting fences, and sanding floors. Daniel doesn’t yet realise that he’s enrolled in a perfect example of competency-based learning.

Mr. Miyagi doesn’t overwhelm Daniel with a complex karate curriculum or syllabus. Instead, he focuses on specific, actionable tasks: “Wax on, wax off,” “Paint the fence,” “Sand the floor.” Each of these tasks, while seemingly unrelated to karate, are designed to build specific competencies that are fundamental to the martial art.

In CBL, clear learning objectives are crucial. Students need to know exactly what skills they’re working towards. Mr. Miyagi’s approach, while initially obscure to Daniel, is focused on developing the precise movements and muscle memory needed for effective karate techniques and taking on his Cobra Kai rival, Johhny.

Mr. Miyagi recognises that Daniel’s journey to ‘karate proficiency’ will be unique. He doesn’t try to force Daniel into a one-size-fits-all program. Instead, he creates a personalised training regimen that takes into account Daniel’s physical abilities, mental state, and life circumstances. Daniel is arrogant, but he’s still a little wimp, so lifting weights and breaking boards isn’t going to cut it.

This personalisation is the hallmark of competency-based learning. In a CBL system, educators recognise that each learner’s path to mastery may look different. Some learners may progress quickly in certain areas while needing more time in others. The key is to adapt the learning experience to the individual learner’s needs.

Throughout Daniel’s training, Mr. Miyagi is always present, observing and providing immediate feedback. He corrects Daniel’s form, encourages him when he’s struggling, acknowledges his progress, and catches the occasional fly using chopsticks (to demonstrate his own mastery). This constant feedback loop is essential in competency based learning, yet is very difficult to do in a one-size-fits-all all Articulate build.

In CBL, learners don’t wait for end-of-course quiz scores to know how they’re doing. Instead, they receive ongoing, timely feedback that helps them understand their progress and areas for improvement. This allows for quick course corrections and prevents the reinforcement of incorrect techniques or misunderstandings.

One of the most powerful moments in “The Karate Kid” is when Mr. Miyagi reveals how the seemingly mundane tasks Daniel has been performing translate directly into karate moves. Waxing cars and painting fences later become powerful blocking techniques. This exemplifies the CBL principle of emphasising real-world application.

In competency-based learning, skills aren’t taught in isolation. Instead, learners understand how their newly acquired competencies apply in practical situations. This not only increases engagement but also improves retention and the ability to transfer skills to new contexts.

Mr. Miyagi doesn’t rush Daniel through his training (it’s a 2-hour movie, after all). He allows him to practice each task until he’s mastered it, regardless of how long it takes. This flexible pacing is a core tenet of competency-based learning. Even when Daniel gets beat up by spandex-skeletons, Miyagi still doesn’t teach him the good stuff until later.

In a CBL system, the focus is on mastery, not on adhering to a rigid timeline. Some students may grasp certain concepts quickly and be ready to move on, while others may need more time to fully understand and apply a skill. This flexibility ensures that students achieve mastery, rather than moving on with gaps in their understanding. Daniel isn’t allowed to move on to new techniques until he has fully mastered the foundational movements embedded in his chores.

In competency-based learning, students must demonstrate mastery of a skill or concept before moving on to more advanced material. This ensures a solid foundation and prevents the accumulation of knowledge gaps that can hinder future learning.

I realise my “Karate Kid” analogy is wearing thinner with each paragraph I write (I did warn you) and you might be wondering how these principles translate to modern educational settings. So let’s explore some real-world applications, outside of the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles (OK, I’ll stop…for now).

Coding Bootcamps

Many coding bootcamps use a CBL approach, focusing on specific programming competencies rather than theoretical knowledge. Learners work through practical projects, receiving immediate feedback from instructors and peers. They only progress to more advanced concepts once they’ve demonstrated proficiency in foundational skills.

Medical Education

Some medical schools have adopted competency-based curricula, where learners must demonstrate mastery of specific clinical skills before advancing. This ensures that future doctors have the practical abilities needed for patient care, not just theoretical knowledge.

Corporate Training

Many companies use competency-based approaches for employee training and development. Employees might progress through a series of modules, each focused on a specific skill relevant to their job role. They can move at their own pace, but must demonstrate mastery before advancing.

School Education

Some schools are experimenting with competency-based models, particularly in subjects like Maths and English. Students work through skills at their own pace, with teachers providing personalised support and only moving students forward when they’ve demonstrated mastery.

Challenges and Considerations

While the competency-based approach has many advantages, it’s not without its challenges. And here at Dirtyword, we know the difference between fact and fiction (well, sometimes) and know how hard it is to actually apply stuff in the real world. Some of the challenges in applying CBL include:

• Assessment complexity: Designing assessments that accurately measure competency can be more challenging than traditional tests.

• Time management: The flexible pacing of CBL can be challenging for some learners who struggle with self-regulation.

• Resource intensity: Providing personalised instruction and feedback often requires more resources than traditional e-learning courses.

• Standardisation: In systems that require standardised testing or fixed academic calendars, implementing a pure CBL model can be challenging.

• Mindset shift: Both educators and students may need to adjust their mindsets from time-based to mastery-based progression.

The Wisdom of Mr. Miyagi

I’ll conclude with a word from our sensei. As we’ve seen, the teaching methods of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid provide a surprisingly accurate and insightful model of competency based learning.

By focusing on clear objectives, personalised instruction, immediate feedback, real-world application, flexible pacing, and mastery-based progression, Mr. Miyagi transforms Daniel from a skinny kid from New York, into an “All Valley Champion” (and Daniel gets the girl).

As a fellow online sensei, you would do well to take a page from Miyagi-do. By focusing on competency rather than arbitrary timelines or one-size-fits-all SCORM packages, you can create learning experiences that are more engaging, effective, and relevant to the real world.

So the next time you’re designing an online course, or even learning a new skill yourself, remember the wisdom of Mr. Miyagi. In the words of the sensei himself, “First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine.”