Competence approach as a direction of improvement of higher pedagogical education

Solving the new challenges faced by the system of higher education has posed the problem of qualitative future specialists' training as one of the priority. The need to solve this problem has actualized the idea of a competent approach to teacher training, it has opened new opportunities for choosing the most competent paradigm as a basis to improve the quality of education, ensuring the systematic training of graduates, and forming their readiness to successful professional functions. It has been established that the general idea of a competent approach is competently oriented education, which aims at the complex acquisition of knowledge and methods of practical activity, through which a person successfully implements himself in various fields of life. Competent approach has moved the emphasis from the process of accumulation normatively defined knowledge, skills and abilities into the sphere of formation and development of the ability to practical activity and creative apply the acquired knowledge and experience in different situations. It has been proved that the conception of competence and competency are main in the application of the competence approach, and these categories are quite diverse, their definition and interpretation is the subject of constant discussions. Modern science should not only comprehend and evaluate the definitions of a competent approach, but also to develop clear methodology for the formation and assessment of competencies, and the technology of introducing a competency approach in the system of higher pedagogical education. According to the analysis of scientific literature, the author of the article has stated the problem under investigation in the pedagogical theory and practice; outlined theoretical and methodological principles of competence-oriented education; generalized views of scientists on the interpretation of the conceptions of "approach", "competence approach", "competence", "competency" in the light of the modern educational paradigm, defined the essential content, interconnections and the nature of these conceptions; the emphasis has been placed on the importance of a competent app