Innovation in Competency-Based Assessment Methods:An Effort to Implement Pedagogical Competence at SMKN 1 Pangaribuan

Abstract

Competency-based assessment is an essential approach in vocational education that emphasizes the holistic measurement of students’ competency achievement. The implementation of this assessment method requires teachers to possess strong pedagogical competence, particularly in designing and applying valid and reliable assessment instruments. This study aims to explore innovations in competency-based assessment methods implemented at SMKN 1 Pangaribuan and to analyze the role of teachers’ pedagogical competence in the process. The research employed a qualitative descriptive method using a case study approach. Data were collected through observations, in-depth interviews, and document analysis related to the implementation of competency-based assessment. The findings reveal that teachers at SMKN 1 Pangaribuan have developed various authentic assessment instruments covering the evaluation of attitudes, knowledge, and skills. These instruments are designed to comprehensively measure students’ competencies in accordance with curriculum demands and industry requirements. Furthermore, the study found that teachers’ pedagogical competence—including understanding students’ characteristics, mastering subject content, and designing effective learning strategies—contributes significantly to the effectiveness of competency-based assessment implementation. Nevertheless, the study also identified several challenges, such as limited resources and the need for ongoing teacher training in the development of assessment instruments. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening teachers’ pedagogical competence and providing institutional support to optimize the implementation of competency-based assessment in vocational education.