Kompetencerne

Kompetencerne is a term used to describe the set of capabilities that individuals need to perform tasks effectively within education, work, and everyday life. The concept is widely used by schools, universities, and employers to define learning goals and performance expectations, with an emphasis on applying knowledge in real situations rather than on memorization alone.

In many frameworks, competencies are organized into three interrelated components: knowledge (what you know), skills (what you can do), and attitudes or dispositions (how you approach tasks). Some approaches distinguish categories such as cognitive, technical, social or collaborative, and ethical or professional attributes. The exact formulation of Kompetencerne varies by country, sector, and institution, but the aim is to describe transferable abilities that enable adaptive performance across contexts.

Use of Kompetencerne helps shape curricula, assessments, and development programs. In education, they guide learning outcomes, project work, and competency-based assessment. In the labor market, they inform recruitment, performance reviews, and lifelong learning initiatives, with attention to both job-specific and generic competencies.

Development often combines instruction, hands-on practice, collaboration, and reflection. Assessment methods include portfolios, performance tasks, simulations, exams, and 360-degree feedback, aiming to evaluate not only what is known but how it is applied.

Critiques focus on ensuring that competencies reflect authentic work, avoiding fragmentation, and addressing cultural and contextual differences. Proponents argue that a clear competency focus supports mobility, quality improvement, and learner-centered education.

See also: competence, competency-based education, curriculum frameworks, soft skills.