performance‑based learning
/pərˈfɔːrməns beɪst ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/ · per·form·ance based ler·ning
noun
- An instructional approach that evaluates students primarily through the demonstration of skills, tasks, or real‑world applications rather than through traditional exams. The university adopted performance‑based learning for its engineering program, requiring students to build functional prototypes instead of writing multiple‑choice tests.
adjective
- Describing educational methods or curricula that are organized around measurable performance outcomes. The performance‑based learning model emphasizes authentic assessment over rote memorization.
Synonyms
competency‑based learningmastery learningoutcome‑based educationskill‑based learningauthentic assessmentexperiential learningproject‑based learningtask‑based learning
Antonyms
Did you know? The term surged in popularity after the U.S. Department of Education's 1995 "Performance‑Based Learning" initiative, which encouraged schools to replace standardised tests with real‑world performance tasks.