Jafar Tavakoli

I'm Jafar Tavakoli, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University. My passion lies in transforming education through Competency-Based Education (CBE), with a particular emphasis on dispositions—how individuals enact their knowledge and skills in authentic contexts, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. I am also deeply passionate about Artificial Intelligence, especially the role of Generative AI in education.

+ Education

+ Career Experience

+ Awards & Honors

My primary research focus is on Competency-Based Education (CBE). Within this framework, I am particularly interested in the role of dispositions—how individuals enact their knowledge and skills in authentic contexts. I believe dispositions are often overlooked yet essential in preparing students to thrive in academic and professional settings. As a researcher, I argue that fostering dispositions requires the ability to assess them meaningfully. Without reliable assessment, it is difficult to understand where learners stand or how best to support their development. Currently, I am working on designing tools for assessing dispositions—especially in computing and engineering education contexts—through my work with the Data-Driven Employer-Academia Partnership (DEAP) and the Educating Character Initiative (ECI). In addition to my work in CBE and dispositions, I am also passionate about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and learning design. One of my emerging research interests explores how learners interact with Generative AI (GAI) as a digital network for learning—how they use these tools, what kinds of support they seek, and how AI shapes their learning processes.

+ Selected Publications

+ Current Grants & Funded Research

• EDCI 270
• TiBOT (Competency-based Program)

Competency-based education in computing science.