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Competency-Based Education

Edward Marshall, PhD, RP and Maria Marshall, PhD, RP

The Ottawa Institute of Logotherapy has adopted a competency-based learning framework across our Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (LTEA) program to support student’s growth in clarity, confidence, and real-world readiness.

This approach focuses on how one applies key skills, insights, and professional standards in practice.

We have aligned our program with the Entry-to-Practice Competency Profile of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Even for those not pursuing CRPO registration, these competencies offer a gold standard for ethical, effective, and client-centered practice and we use them to ensure our training is rigorous, relevant, and transferable.

These practice competencies are divided into the following sections:

  1. Foundations
  2. Collegial and Interprofessional Relationships
  3. Professional Responsibilities
  4. Therapeutic Process
  5. Professional Literature and Applied Research

How It Works in Our Program?

Each module includes two key learning activities:

  • Essay – A 500-word written assignment based on the assigned readings, where students demonstrate understanding, critical thinking, and application of LTEA principles.
  • Tutoring Session – A 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the instructor to review students work, ask questions, and engage in experiential learning — including role-play and case-based discussion.

We have developed clear, student-friendly evaluation rubrics that show exactly what we are looking for: comprehension, reflection, responsiveness to feedback, and the ability to apply theory in practice.

Competency Rubrics

Essay EvaluationTutoring Session Evaluation
Understanding of LTEA concepts – Shows how well students grasp the module’s ideas.Engagement & preparation – Shows the student has completed the assignments and is ready to participate.
Application to practice – Connects concepts to realistic examples or cases.Understanding of material – Demonstrates the student’s grasp of the key ideas.
Critical thinking & reflection – Offers thoughtful analysis and personal insight.Responsiveness to feedback – The student uses feedback to improve their understanding and skills.
Communication & writing – Clear, well-structured, and easy to follow.Application in role-play/discussion – Puts concepts into action during activities.

Scoring scale:
4 = Excellent | 3 = Good | 2 = Developing | 1 = Needs Improvement

How does it improve the learning experience?

Competency-based education brings several key benefits:

  • Clarity – Students know what they are learning and why it matters.
  • Feedback That Fuels Growth – Instructors provide targeted, actionable insights.
  • Self-Awareness – Students reflect on their own style, strengths, and areas for development.
  • Professional Readiness – Students build skills they can use in real-world settings, whether in clinical practice, coaching, chaplaincy, education, or other helping profession.

What does this mean?

The competency-based approach to education is a roadmap to guide learning. Clearly defined competencies show what we are looking for, help track progress, and facilitate a clear path to improvement.

The aim is to complete the LTEA program with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills students can use anywhere — and to become a more thoughtful, capable, and compassionate practitioner.

To learn more about our LTEA program and how we are shaping the future of meaning-centered education or to register for the Advanced Professional Development Diploma in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis please contact us.