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Mastery-based skills are about Transfer

The mastery-based skill [must be] valuable ten years from now, even if the content knowledge has changed.”

-Chris Sturgis, CompetencyWorks, “The Art and Science of Designing Competencies”

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  • Articulated as a single skill
  • Observable (can be demonstrated)
  • Transferable (has relevance beyond the immediate context)
  • Transdisciplinary
  • Learner-centered

Essential Elements of a Mastery-Based Skill

@belathram / 2

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Example from Lord of the Rings, 2019:

The student communicates & empathizes with people who have perspectives different from your own.

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Brainstorm Organize • Act • Feedback

2 minutes

TASK: What does the “ideal student” DO in a Harkness Discussion?

Write out descriptors on sticky notes that capture the “ideal student” in action.

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Brainstorm Organize • Act • Feedback

2 minutes

TASK: Of all of your ideas, choose your best ONE idea, the one your teammate wants to explore and work on more deeply.

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Brainstorm Organize • Act • Feedback

5 minutes

TASK: Transform your idea into a mastery-based skill. Write it on a new sticky note.

Communicate & empathize with people who have perspectives different from your own.

Active, Concrete Verb

Specific object of action

Written with YOU the learner in mind

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Brainstorm Organize • Act • Feedback

2 minutes

TASK: Show your mastery-based skill to a team close to you. Ask that team:

What image comes to mind when you read this skill? What do you picture people doing when they demonstrate this skill?

If you’re having difficulty picturing something, what clarification questions do you have?

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