Competences are commonly assumed to represent more than the levels of knowledge and skills and to account for

the effective application of available knowledge and skills in a specific context.

It is assumed that competence transcends the levels of knowledge and skills to explain how knowledge and skills are applied in an effective way. They are easily identified with valued capabilities, qualifications and expertise

Ideas about competence

The concept of linguistic competence represents the cognitive structure and rules that are necessary to produce speech; in contrast, linguistic performance represents the way speech actually functions in practice when it is contaminated by external factors.

Competence ..
Competence is a highly-valued qualification that accounts for the effective use of knowledge and skills in specific , usually complex, contexts: The mastery of relevant knowledge and skills alone is no guarantee of successful performances in complex environments; individuals should be able to select from their available knowledge and skills in such a way that efficient and effective behaviour occurs.

Competence: the need for a distinct concept

From a theoretical perspective, competence is conceived as a cognitive structure that facilitates specified behaviours. From an operational perspective, competences seem to cover a broad range of higher-order skills and behaviours that represent the ability to cope with complex, unpredictable situations (includes knowledge, skills, attitudes, metacognition and strategic thinking, and intentional decision making.

The problem of competence standards

When competences are chosen as the ultimate objectives of education, they should be described in terms of well-expressed behaviours in wellexpressed situations. If someone is labelled as competent , his or her performances meet a standard.

COMPETENCE
Refers to ones underlying knowledge of a system, event or fact. It is the no observable ability to do something, to perform something. A cluster of related knowledge, skills and attitudes that affects a major part of one`s job (a role of responsibility) that correlates with performance on the job, that can be measured against wellaccepted standards, and that can be improved via training and development.

PERFORMANCE
Is the overtly observable and concrete manifestation or realization of competence. It is the actual doing of something. In reference to language, competence is the underlying knowledge of the system of a language. Performance is actual production ( speaking, writing) or the comprehension (listening, reading) of linguistic events.

COMPETENCY

The state or quality of being properly or well qualified.

Competence Brainstorm
Competency models are highly useful in ensuring that students are doing the right things, clarifying and articulating what is required for effective performance.
Being able to demonstrate that the behaviours and skills you identify and develop are proven.

Competence

KNOWLEDGE

SKILL

COMMITMENT

KEY WORDS

OBSERVED BEHAVIOR

ACTIVE VERBS
Discuss Assures Plans Evaluates Directs Coordinates Respects Participates Controls Answers Uses (information) Administrates Establishes Transmits Listens Faces Speaks Determines Monitors Memorizes Proporcionates Calculates Programs Supervises Designs Shows interest Assigns Analyzes Distributes Organizes Approves Authorizes Amplifies Experiments Tells Reviews Installs Consults Integrates Formulates Interprets Facilitates Develops Specifies Appreciates Certifies Informs Consolidates Names Interviews Sends Takes Recognizes Paraphrases Cooperates Examines Identifies Comprehends Comunicates Enjoys Express Follows Follows Increases Obtains Participates Produces Reads Registers Revises Revises Shares Tracks Undesrtands Verifies Writes

EXAMPLES OF COMPETENCES
Uses communication as a mean to express thoughts, feelings and emotions in and out of his/her school and family community. Understands and studies the different cultures using English as a second language. Uses his/her English language knowledge to improve his /her communication skills (oral and written)

Examples of achievment signs

Names medieval social roles Describes life in a castle Identifies European imports and exports Tells about the journeys of Marco Polo Describes the Andes Mountains Explains hypotheses scientists have about .. Tells about cause and effect in a paragraph.