Abstract:

The introduction of a competency approach in education leads to an increase in the quality of education and training, whereby educational outcomes are linked not only to the acquired knowledge, skills and habits, but also to the basic competences necessary for the personal development of children. The competency approach is seen as an objective need to improve the quality and effectiveness of education, to acquire a range of competences, so-called 'soft' skills (eg initiative, risk assessment, creativity, critical thinking, controlling emotions, teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility-taking) that provide a connection between the personal, social and professional expression of the modern man.

The basis for the implementation of the competency approach in contemporary education in Bulgaria is laid in the state educational standard for general education and accordingly in the new curricula in all subjects. The syllabuses outline the expected learning outcomes in the form of competencies, through the proposed recommended percentage allocation for the different lessons, guidance on specific assessment methods and forms, and through exemplary activities that support the acquisition of key competences and cross-curricular links.

Keywords:

Competence approach, knowledge, skills, competences, training, education, students.