THE ESSENCE OF CONCEPTS OF «COMPETENCE APPROACH», «COMPETENCY», «COMPETENCE», «PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY» IN THE LIGHT OF MODERN EDUCATION PARADIGM

The article is dedicated to scientists' views on the problem of definition of «competence approach», «competency», «competence», «professional competency» concepts in the light of modern education paradigm. The analysis of scientific, psychological and pedagogical literature helped the author to define the content, correlation and characteristics of these concepts. The important role of competence approach in preparation of future specialists has been emphasized. From the perspective of competence approach the level of education is defined by ability to solve simple and complex problems using your background knowledge. Competence approach focuses on the ability to use knowledge gained from higher education. It is considered to be fundamental approach in preparation of future specialists and involves not only transmitting knowledge, skills and abilities from teacher to students but professional competency formation. It demands a new way of looking at teaching: change focus in educational process from information theory to organizational and managerial spheres. The model of student's behavior changes from passive learning to active self-learning and research. It has been noted that implementation of competence approach in education of future specialists involves formation and development of their competencies. The program «DeSeCo» (Definition and Selection of Competencies) defines competency as the ability to satisfy personal and social needs and perform given tasks successfully. Each competency is a set of appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities, attitudes and values, behavioral components that can motivate a person to take action. The committee of Council of Europe considers the concept of competency as general skills which include: − the ability of a person to perceive and meet personal and social needs; − set of values, attitudes, knowledge and skills. Close to the meaning of «competency» there is a concept of «competence». It was first presented in 90-th by International Labor Organization in qualification training and refresher training of management staff. The «competence» is defined as a synonym to «knowledge» and «full powers». It has been stressed that nowadays most scientists consider «professional competency» to be the main component of professional training. This concept is defined as conformity of professional training of graduator to current requirements.