An alternative conception of competence: Implications for vocational education

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present current international and national understandings of competence, and to present research examples which are relevant to vocational education. The article presents ‘competence’ as a critical field for research and practice in vocational education, and argues for an interpretative-relational approach to the development of competence, to include all elements of a workplace environment that impact on vocational learning and practice, and one which places the meaning of engagement in practice for the student and/or worker at the centre stage. © 1999 Journal of Vocational Education and Training. All right reserved.