The introduction of the competency-based approach in Bulgaria is part of the vital educational reforms aimed at improving the quality of higher education. Applying the competency-based educational models to higher education courses will reorient the educational process from teaching knowledge to mastering competencies and developing the ability to solve real problems.
An important characteristic of the competency approach is turning to the practical orientation of education by modelling practical situations, which requires learning and formation of knowledge, skills and competencies in conditions close to the real work environment. The implementation of the competency-based approach places emphasis on the ability to develop understanding independently, apply acquired knowledge in practice and stimulate creativity and innovation.
Over the last ten years, BIA experts have worked thoroughly and consistently to implement this policy through a number of expert opinions and participation in discussions organized by various Bulgarian institutions in the field of education. A team at BIA created and developed the National Competence Assessment System MyCompetence, which provides competency standards for over 500 positions in 25 economic sectors.
In the past year, BIA partnered with the Modern-A project financed by the Operational Programme “Science and Education for Smart Growth” 2014-2020. Alongside the University of Sofia "St. Kliment Ohridski, nine other universities and two nationally representative business organizations, the experts developed 17 new curricula for students in information technology, biotechnology, physics and pedagogical sciences. The National Competence Assessment Centre at BIA created the educational competency models for five curricula: B.Sc. “Data Science”; M.Sc. “Intelligent Analytics”; M.Sc. “Medical Physics”; M.Sc. “Industrial and Pharma Biotechnologies”; M.Sc.“ Chemistry of the Future”. The models are part of the education program and represent a competency framework in which knowledge, skills and competencies define and relate to the student's educational background. They also contain information about the positions that the students can pursue once they graduate.
BIA’s team is currently working on the development of ten more educational competency models in another two partnership projects, with lead partners – the Technical University of Sofia and the Thracian University, Stara Zagora.
