'Kompetenz' and 'Beruf' in the context of the proposed German Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to answer a set of questions related to "Kompetenz", "Beruf" and the German Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.What is a competence, can it be measured? Is the "Beruf" really endangered by the focus on learning outcomes? What are the implications as regards the learning process? Are permeability and mobility between occupations fostered? Design/methodology/approach - Literature was analysed to identify elements which are linked to the introduction of qualifications frameworks in Germany and which have an impact on the German system of education and training. Additionally some primary research was done by interviewing about 50 experts in the field. The results were published prior to this paper in the form of a study on behalf of the German government. Here they are used to highlight potentially controversial issues: "Beruf", "Qualifikation", "Kompetenz", "learning outcomes" and their relationship to qualifications frameworks. Findings - It is assumed that "Beruf" will also be used in future but in different contexts. It will describe any type of occupation or profession without the need to specify the way to get there ("Berufsbild"). Instead, there will be flexible pathways, allowing for non-formal and informal learning. Its former role of structuring training will be taken over by "Kompetenz" within the qualifications frameworks. It is recommended to clearly differentiate between learning outcomes and "Kompetenz". Research limitations/implications - As a one-year pilot phase to test the proposed qualifications framework is about to start, the final outcomes may be different from what is expected on the basis of this research. Originality/value - The paper answers a set of questions related to "Kompetenz", "Beruf" and the German Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.