BEYOND KNOWLEDGE: COMPETENCE-BASED LEARNING FOR THE 21stCENTURY PROFESSIONAL

Abstract

This article examines the role of competence-based learning in higher education, emphasizing the integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes into authentic professional practice. Drawing on the legacy of U. Sultangazin and contemporary educational theory, it argues that modern universities must function as learning communities, fostering collaboration, reflection and engagement with professional environments. Examples of university-industry partnerships illustrate how students develop competencies through real-world projects, internships and mentoring, while educators adopt facilitative and mentoring roles. The article also considers implications for curriculum design, academic staff development and institutional policy, highlighting the necessity of flexible, innovative and responsive learning organizations. By positioning competence at the centre of education, higher education institutions can prepare professionals equipped to navigate the complexity and uncertainty of the twenty-first century.