How does grading work in a CBE Program?
The final result of completing a class in a competency-based education course of study is the same as MLC’s on-campus undergraduate programs. Letter grades are recorded on the official transcript of a learner who graduates from MLC with an undergraduate baccalaureate degree. These letter grades are then calculated as a term and a cumulative GPA.
There is, however, a difference in grading in our CBE courses. Assessments and activities can be connected to competencies. To complete the class, learners must achieve a proficient or mastery mark on all competencies. Learners are allowed to attempt the assessment or activity multiple times until they achieve at least a proficient score.
The design does not diminish a learner’s accomplishment in their classes. Instead, it assures that individuals who have completed their study in the competency-based education model have a minimum level of understanding of the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors expected of a called worker serving in our Synod.
Term B Starts with a Second Cohort!
On January 5, 2025 the CBTE Term B began. The learners who began their studies in September continued with their next two courses. A new cohort of eleven learners also began their studies. Eight learners started a new entirely online cohort, and three students started the first Milwaukee-based cohort. The Milwaukee-based cohort will meet weekly as part of their Biblical Literature and History courses at the St. Marcus North Campus. We look forward to supporting our returning and new learners as they study to serve in the public ministry of the WELS.
Pausing at Christmas
There is much to celebrate.
We are quickly approaching the celebration of our Savior’s birth. Our churches, schools, and homes are filled with the joyful preparations and comforting traditions of our Christmas season. One of our family’s traditions is to share an Advent Devotion after we have finished our evening meal. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the greatest gift we have received through Grace alone, by faith alone.
We are quickly nearing the end of our first CBTE term, preparing for the second term, and completing the enrollment process for our second CBTE cohort to begin their classes in January 2025.
We are all looking forward to several weeks of a break. However, a pause between terms does not pause our most important work, strengthening our faith in the promise fulfilled through Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.
MLC Faculty and CBE: Dr. Steenbock
Dr. Brandon Steenbock currently serves as a Staff Minister at St. Mark Ministries in DePere, Wisconsin. He is an adjunct instructor of online courses offered at MLC. For the CBTE Theology Minor he worked closely with our instructional designer to align the content and activities of Christian Doctrine I and II with the competencies created by our full-time Theology faculty. He is teaching Christian Doctrine I and II for the initial cohorts of learners enrolled in the CBTE Theology Minor.
We asked him to answer a few questions about his work at MLC and with CBTE.
Where have you served in your public ministry?
I did my internship in Sleep Eye, MN in 2006. I served at St. Paul’s in New Ulm, MN from 2006 to 2017. I have served at St. Mark Ministries in De Pere / Green Bay, WI since 2017.
What courses do you teach at MLC?
Currently, I’m teaching Christian Doctrine 1 and 2 for the CBTE program, and Old Testament Bible Lessons for the Early Childhood Certification program.
What can learners expect from the courses you teach for CBTE?
My courses are a survey of Christian Doctrine, which means learners can expect a comprehensive understanding of the foundational truths of the Bible. We go in a systematic way, first looking at who God is and how we know he exists, how he speaks to us in his Word. Then we will talk about Jesus and how he has given us salvation. From there we’ll explore topics like how we defend our faith, how Law and Gospel fit into our lives, and all the applications of biblical truth to Christian life.
I approach all of this with a mixture of Bible reading, textbook reading, videos and articles that supplement, and collaborative learning through discussion forums. Each week, students will be expected to produce one piece of work that demonstrates their understanding of the content area. This might be a blog post, a lesson plan, a one-page handout… My goal is that the work the student produces is useful for ministry in their own context. That way they are demonstrating their competency but also creating resources for their own ministry.
What is most rewarding about teaching in the CBTE Minor?
I have been so blessed by reading the things my students produce. When we have a devotional assignment, I get to read a dozen different Bible-based devotions that help me grow deeper in God’s Word myself. I also get to see how my students grow in their understanding; they go from having questions about that week’s content to being convinced of God’s truth. It’s amazing to see God’s Word and his Spirit working together to grow a person’s faith and understanding.
What would you like to share so learners can know a little more about you?
I grew up in Seattle, so coffee is part of my blood. I like to get involved in every step of the coffee process – roasting the beans, grinding them, and taking careful steps to use the right temperature of water for the brew I’m making. I get a little nerdy and scientific about it, but I love it. I also really enjoy complicated board games with lots of little rules; I love strategy mixed with just a little bit of randomness. I’m also an avid reader and I have a personal rule: Never go anywhere without a book.
Thanksgiving 2024
Together we pray. Dear Savior, thank you for your suffering and dying for us on Calvary’s cross. We thank you for taking the guilt, the curse, and the punishment for our sins. We thank you for your victory over the grave and all it brings to us. We thank you, Lord, for your perfect substitution. Now help us appreciate the blessings we have because of your death and resurrection. Help us demonstrate our thankfulness by our actions and service—not just our words. Help our actions direct others to you, their Savior. Amen.
WELS. “We Thank you, Lord. ” Prayers.
