Beyond Pass/Fail: Competency-Based Labs that boost Level 4 students' confidence

Level 4 Electrical Engineering students enter laboratories with variable digital confidence. Pass/fail grading can mask partial competence, reduce motivation, and limit feedback. This session presents an inclusive redesign of a Level 4 Professional Practice laboratory (Electrical Circuits) to strengthen confidence, fair assessment, and progression, aligned with LJMU Strategy 2030 and the Framework for High Quality Teaching and Learning. I integrate MATLAB/Simulink modelling with hands-on bench validation in a ‘model-to-bench’ workflow. Support includes staged onboarding, just-in-time micro-tutorials, weekly formative checkpoints, and structured peer collaboration (with a mid-semester peer-review). Assessment moves beyond completion to core competencies: modelling, measurement, interpretation, troubleshooting, and communication, using transparent criteria and rapid feedback. Impact was evaluated across two cohorts (n=26; survey response rate=98 %) using student surveys, rubric-scored artefacts, onboarding analytics, checkpoint outcomes, and reflective logs. Student voice evidenced higher confidence: 94% of respondents strongly agreed they could apply their knowledge. Analytics revealed pinch-points (onboarding, debugging)informing scaffolds such as staged practice, simplified checklists, and early low-stakes feedback. At the module level, troubleshooting competency rose from 84 % in Week 4 to 93 % by Week 9. The approach also supported undergraduate research and employability: two former students co-authored Q1 papers, and one secured an Airbus UK role, attributing readiness to the combined MATLAB and practical competencies. Developed with TEL/Library input, the toolkit is transferable across programs and professional services: diagnostics to tailor onboarding, embedded micro-tutorials, a checkpoint rhythm for timely feedback, and competency rubrics to move beyond pass/fail. Attendees will leave with a transferable toolkit to adapt across programmes: (1) diagnostic to tailor onboarding; (2) embedded micro-tutorials; (3) weekly checkpoints for timely, clear feedback; (4) peer-review to build belonging; (5) competency rubrics enabling a staged shift beyond pass/fail, with adaptable templates for rapid adoption across disciplines and professional services. Beyond Pass/Fail: Competency Based Labs. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.