A Combined Knowledge and Competency (CKC) Model for Computer Science Curricula

Abstract

All prior curricular guidelines for computer science have used a knowledge model, which consists of knowledge areas, knowledge units within the knowledge areas, and learning outcomes for the topics within those knowledge units. More recently, competency models have been explored for curricular guidelines. A competency model consists of competency specifications that list the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to complete tasks. Both knowledge models and competency models have their benefits and shortcomings. We propose a model for computer science curricular guidelines that synergistically combines knowledge and competency models, in particular, the knowledge model last proposed in CS2013 [1] and the CoLeaf competency model last proposed in an ITiCSE working group report [8,11], both modified to facilitate integration. The combined model called CKC emphasizes both ends of the learning continuum and facilitates teaching as well as evaluation. It provides both an epistemological and teleological perspective of computer science content. We provide instructions for designing computer science curricula using the CKC model.