How Does Wgu Grade? Mastering The Scale

Western Governors University, commonly referred to as WGU, has carved out a unique niche in the educational landscape with its competency-based approach to learning. This model focuses on measuring students’ mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than traditional metrics like credit hours or seat time. The grading system at WGU is designed to reflect this competency-based education (CBE) model, providing a framework that assesses students’ abilities to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Understanding how WGU grades is crucial for navigating its programs successfully.

Competency Units (CUs) and Competencies

At the heart of WGU’s grading system are Competency Units (CUs) and the competencies themselves. Each course or subject area is broken down into these manageable units, which are essentially the building blocks of the curriculum. Students progress through their programs by demonstrating mastery of these competencies, which are clearly defined outcomes that specify what a student should be able to do.

Mastery Scale

WGU employs a mastery scale to evaluate student performance. This scale is not a traditional letter grade system but rather a nuanced way to measure how well a student has mastered the competencies. The scale typically includes four levels of mastery:

1. Novice (0-64%): At this level, the student demonstrates little understanding or application of the competency.
2. Developing (65-74%): The student shows some understanding but lacks the depth or consistency in applying the competency.
3. Proficient (75-89%): Here, the student demonstrates a good understanding and can apply the competency with some independence.
4. Mastery (90-100%): This level indicates that the student has thoroughly mastered the competency, demonstrating an advanced understanding and the ability to apply it in complex and nuanced ways.

Assessment Types

WGU uses a variety of assessments to measure mastery, including but not limited to:

• Objective Assessments: Multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and other types of objective questions that test factual knowledge.
• Performance Tasks: These require students to demonstrate their skills by completing a task or project, such as writing a paper, creating a presentation, or developing a lesson plan.
• Direct Assessments: Observations of student performance in real or simulated settings.

Each assessment is designed to evaluate specific aspects of the competencies, providing a comprehensive picture of a student’s mastery.

Passing and Progressing

To pass a course at WGU, students must achieve a level of “Mastery” on the assessments that measure the course competencies. If a student does not achieve mastery on the first attempt, they can reassess, typically after completing additional prep work or seeking guidance from their mentor. This process continues until the student demonstrates mastery, at which point they can progress to the next set of competencies.

Mentor Guidance

Throughout their program, WGU students are assigned a personal mentor. This mentor plays a crucial role in guiding the student’s progress, providing feedback on assessments, and helping to develop a plan for improvement when needed. The mentor’s insight into the student’s strengths and weaknesses is invaluable in navigating the competency-based system.

Benefits of the Competency-Based Model

The competency-based model at WGU offers several benefits:

• Personalized Learning: Students can focus on areas where they need improvement and quickly move past material they’ve already mastered.
• Flexibility: The self-paced nature of the program allows students to fit their study schedule around their other commitments.
• Relevance: By focusing on real-world applications and competencies, WGU prepares students for the demands of their future careers.

In conclusion, mastering the grading scale at WGU involves understanding the competency-based education model and how it differs from traditional educational approaches. By focusing on demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge, students can progress efficiently through their programs, ensuring they are well-prepared for their professional endeavors.

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