Pädevuslik

Pädevuslik is an Estonian adjective meaning related to competence or competency. It is derived from the noun pädevus (competence, capability, qualification) with the suffix -lik, forming a term used to describe things that pertain to or emphasize competence.

In education and curriculum design, pädevuslik refers to a competence-based or competence-oriented approach. This perspective centers on developing learners’ ability to integrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform real tasks and solve problems. Pädevuslik teaching aims to foster transversal skills such as communication, cooperation, critical thinking, problem solving, and digital literacy, alongside subject knowledge. The concept is commonly used in discussions about national curricula, assessment reform, and school development in Estonia.

Hindamine and assessment under a pädevuslik framework focus on demonstrated abilities. Instead of prioritizing the recall of isolated facts, assessments often rely on performance tasks, projects, portfolios, and authentic demonstrations that show learners’ competencies in practice. This approach seeks to provide a more holistic picture of what a learner can do and how they apply knowledge in varied contexts.

Outside of formal education, pädevuslik is also used to describe competence-based practices in professional training, human resources, and organizational development. In these contexts, the emphasis is similarly on measurable capabilities and the ability to perform specific roles or tasks effectively. The term aligns with broader European and international trends toward competency-based education and professional development.