Theoretical bases of competence-based approach in foreign education

The article is devoted to the formation of the competence-based approach in the education. The author studies the conceptual apparatus, which characterizes the essence of competence-based approach in the education, also she determines the foreign directions of CBA formation. The idea that the content of the individual competence is determined by the legal knowledge, skill and experience is proved in the article. There are American, English, French and German schools of the CBA studying. The researchers distinguish dimensional (American and English scientific schools) and multidimensional (French and German scientific schools) models of competence development. The stages of the CBA formation are explored by the author. The first stage (1960-1970) is characterized by insertion of the concept «competence» into the science and distinction of two terms «competence» and «competency». The second stage (1970-1990) is determined by using these terms in the theory and practice of the language learning, management and communication learning. The third stage of studying of the competency in the education begins in the 1990-s. The professional competency becomes the object of the all-around special scrutiny. The author concludes that the foreign researchers accentuate the practical side and professional self-perfection.