Mastering Concept-Based Teaching and Competency Assessment

**Selected for 2026 Doody's Core Titles in Education**

Learn how to develop and implement a successful concept-based curriculum and competency assessment! Written specifically for nursing faculty by thought-leader Jean Giddens, Mastering Concept-Based Teaching and Competency Assessment, 3rd Edition provides the understanding and expertise you need to make the transition from traditional content-focused instruction to a conceptual approach to teaching and learning, and from knowledge assessment to competency assessment. New to this edition is a new chapter on differentiating concept-based and competency-based approaches. A perfect complement to Giddens’ student-oriented textbook Concepts for Nursing Practice, this book is ideal for both undergraduate and graduate faculty, and also serves as a helpful study tool for faculty preparing for the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

• Framework for a concept-based curriculum (CBC) begins with an overview of the conceptual approach and then discusses the steps used in developing a CBC, using concepts as the infrastructure for the curriculum
• Strong foundation in how to teach within a CBC examines the nature of concepts, their function in the process of learning, and the importance of being consistent in the selection and implementation of concepts
• Balanced teaching strategies engage students with an open environment and learning activities demonstrating the application of information to multiple situations
• Success evaluation criteria explain the importance of analyzing evaluation data to measure the achievement of student learning and for evaluating a CBC program
• Misconceptions and Clarifications boxes reflect the latest research in conceptual learning to help clarify important concepts

• NEW! Differentiating Concept-Based and Competency-Based Approaches chapter explains the close interrelationship of concepts and competencies
• NEW! Updated content reflects the latest evidence and literature on the conceptual approach and the application of competencies within the conceptual approach
• NEW! Improved graphic design and layout makes the content more visually appealing and promotes understanding

Dean Jean Foret Giddens works at the School of Nursing, University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas.