Glossary

Assessment of competences

the sum of methods and processes used to evaluate the attainments (knowledge, know-how and/or competences) of an individual, and typically leading to certification (evaluation is used for assessing training methods or providers)

Competence

Proven and demonstrated ability to apply knowledge, know-how and associated knowledge in a usual and/or changing work situation

Employability

the degree of adaptability an individual demonstrates to find a job, keep it and update occupational competences (it does not depend only on the adequacy of knowledge and competences of individuals but also on the incentives and opportunities offered to individuals to seek employment)

formative assessment

a two-way relective process between a teacher/assessor and learner to promote learning

Key competences

The sum of skills (basic sckills and new basic skills) needed to develop in contemporary knowledge society. The European Commission sets out the 8 key competences (2006):
1. communication in the mother tongue;
2. communication in foreign languages;
3. competences in maths, science and technology;
4. digital competences;
5. learning to learn;
6. interpersonal, intercultural and social competences and civic competences;
7. entrepreneurship;
8. cultural expression.

Know-how

practical knowledge or skills expertise

Knowledge

definitions of knowledge are legion, nevertheless, modern conceptions of knowledge rest broadly on several basic distinctions : (a) declarative (theoretical) knowledge differs from procedural (practical) knowledge ; (b) various forms of knowledge correspond to different ways of learning : objective (natural/scientific) knowledge ; subjective (literary/aesthetic) knowledge ; moral (human/normative) knowledge ; religious (divine) knowledge ; (c) knowledge encompasses tacit (the learner is not necessarily aware of having it) and explicit (knowledge a learner can consciously inspect) knowledge

Recognition of competences

formal recognition by awarding certificates or by granting equivalence, credit units, validation of gained competences differs from social recognition defined by the acknowledgement of the value of competences by economic and social stakeholders.

Validation of informal/non formal learning

the process of assessing and recognising a wide range of skills and competences which people develop through their lives and in different contexts, for example through education, work and leisure activities

validation of learning outcomes

confirmation by a competent body that learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and/or competences) acquired by an individaul in a formal, non-formal or informal setting have been assessed against predefined criteria and are compliant with the requirements of a validation standard. Validation typically leads to certification.

Reference: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP), 2001, 2002 & 2009.