(ROSENBERG, Texas) – A big change is coming for certain programs at Texas State Technical College. The Diesel Equipment Technology and Precision Machining Technology programs are set to change their curriculums to a performance-based education (PBE) model starting this fall.
But what does that mean for the students who attend those programs, now and in the future?
For starters, it means a greater focus on lab work and individualized instruction for students. Coursework like chapter readings and lectures will be online, able to be done at a student’s discretion and pace. Lab work and projects will happen as each student feels confident in their knowledge, helping them apply what they have learned to real-world applications.
Deogratias Nizigiyimana, lead instructor for the Precision Machining Technology program at the Fort Bend County campus, feels this will benefit his students’ ability to progress through the courses.
“It (PBE) helps those who learn fast to move even faster,” Nizigiyimana said. “Labs will be open all the time, so those who feel ready can come in and work on projects.”
For individuals already in the programs, they will be given a choice of either continuing their traditional education or shifting to the PBE format. All those who enter the programs from the fall 2025 semester and on will be PBE only.
“PBE will give them real-world experience,” said Jose Reyna, an instructor in the Diesel Equipment Technology program. “It will increase responsibility and the personal-growth skill set that they can start developing here.”
The two programs’ curriculums remain focused on current industry trends and needs so that students can gain the knowledge and skills they need to begin their careers.
For more information about performance-based education at TSTC, go to tstc.edu/pbe.
