FROM KNOWLEDGE TO COMPETENCE: TRANSFORMATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION
Keywords:
competency-based education, competencies, lifelong learning, educational transformation, learning outcomes, personal developmentAbstract
The transition from knowledge-oriented to competency-based education represents one of the most significant transformations in contemporary educational theory and practice. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conceptual shift from knowledge acquisition to competency development and to examine its implications for teaching, learning, and lifelong education. The study applies a theoretical research design based on literature review, comparative analysis, and conceptual analysis of contemporary scientific publications and international educational frameworks. The analysis focuses on the evolution of competency-based education, the relationship between knowledge, skills and competencies, and the contribution of international frameworks, including the OECD Learning Compass 2030, the European Key Competences Framework, UNESCO educational policies, and the LifeComp framework. The findings indicate that competency-based education does not replace knowledge but redefines its educational function by emphasizing meaningful application, transfer, and integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values in authentic contexts. The paper also discusses the main challenges associated with competency-based education, including competency assessment, maintaining the balance between knowledge and competencies, and avoiding the formal implementation of competency frameworks. As a theoretical contribution, the study proposes a conceptual model describing the transformation of learning through six sequential stages: knowledge, understanding, application, transfer, competence, and personal development. Future research should focus on empirically validating the proposed model and developing practical assessment instruments for competency-oriented learning.
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