Competence Approach in Education: European Experience

The article deals with the competence approach in secondary education of the European Union. In the last decades of the XXI century scientific studies on the theory and practice of implementing the competency approach in the educational systems of the European Union have been intensified. Education in today’s world plays a fundamental role in ensuring acquisition of key competences by European citizens, needed for adaptation to constant changes. In the increasingly complex world where technologies are being introduced actively, creativity and the ability to continue learning and introduce innovation will be relevant and valuable. Lifelong learning should be a norm and important necessity.The article reveals the competence terminology (for such concepts as “competence”, “key competencies”, “skills”) in the educational documents of the EU member states. The essence of the concept of “key competencies”, which refers to a set of fundamental skills and abilities, has been clarified. The relevant knowledge, skills, values that students must master in order to respond efficiently to the challenges of the modern world, have been identified. It has been noted that the key competencies outlined in the European Reference Framework of Key Competences for Lifelong Learning (2018), equally important for personal development and for a successful life in society, should contribute to improving the level of education, development of quality education.Emphasis has been placed on the fact that the updated structure of key competencies will be successful if it is for use in various sectors of education, as well as at the level of non-formal and informal learning in the European countries.The article concludes that introduction and acquisition of key competencies in school education takes place through different approaches and depends on the individual capabilities of the EU member states. In this context, the application of the interdisciplinary approach deserves special attention. It has been noted that the EU countries are currently at different stages of implementation of key competencies in school curricula.