Potential of Competence-Based Approach in the Educational Paradigm
The paper provides an overview of the existing classifications of competencies related to the teaching of foreign languages in the higher education system. The work identifies separate classifications of competencies shaping an expert able to use a foreign language confidently for professional purposes, reviews the definitions of competencies provided in various studies. The author concludes about the ambiguity and heterogeneity of interpretations of the term “competence” in the academic and methodological works. Still, it is recognized that in all studies, there is awareness that the term “competence” is a complex concept in its structure. Competence is a sum of knowledge, skills and personal qualities helping a person to act independently in various professional and scientific areas and in line with the changing pragmatic conditions of communication. The author raises a question whether the competence-based approach is a key factor in improving the academic outcome and competence of the 21st century workforce, analyzes the feasibility of applying individual competencies in teaching a foreign language in non-language universities in order to determine the real potential of this approach for solving problems in the paradigm of higher education. The key takeaway is about the need for careful selection of competencies, whose successful formation is feasible in the given conditions and in line with the goals of the modern educational process.