1. Understand what is meant by ‘key competences’, also often referred to as ‘21^st century skills’, and why developing them in school is so important in today’s world; 

2. Understand that the definitions of competences as well as national and international frameworks vary, but share common points; 

3. Become familiar with the basic key principles for teaching and assessing key competences, self-assess your current practice, and identify areas for improvement; 

4. Become familiar with how various countries across Europe have implemented a key competence approach in school education, particularly in Ireland, which is the case study used throughout the course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This video explains the principles behind inquiry-based learning and problem-based learning which are the basis for designing effective projects to develop learners’ competences. The video also provides you with a preliminary checklist and 7 basic steps for designing a project-based learning activity to develop your students’ competences.

 

 
Examples of prize-winning European eTwinning projects

 
Collaborative learning

 
Transversal key competences for lifelong learning: training teachers in competence based education – TRANSIt Training Framework

 
Project Maths - Ireland

2. Understand that the assessment of key competences needs to measure students’ reasoning processes, understanding of interconnections, and problem-solving skills;

3. Become familiar with a range of innovative tools and approaches, both ‘low-tech’ and ‘high-tech’, which are effective at measuring students’ reasoning processes and ability to solve complex problems;

4. Understand the importance of classroom-based formative assessments for assessing key competences;

5. Become familiar with the evidence required for assessing collaborative problem-solving, and how teachers can use rubrics and developmental progressions to interpret their observations of learners’ skills and behaviour.