The concept and experience of generic competencies

Problem statement: Generic competence is one of the core concepts applied in the adult education and lifelong learning. Investment in the development of generic competences of adults becomes strategically important seeking to respond to the challenges of economic competitiveness and social cohesion in the above outlined social and demographic conditions, when there is an increasing demand of skilled workforce in the labor market. Acquisition of generic competences and their application in the different activities is defined by the multiple factors influenced by the political, economic, social and cultural changes. The purpose of this paper is to overview and explain conceptual backgrounds and typologies of generic competences. This purpose is achieved by analyzing theoretical approaches to generic competences and their development and comparing different typologies of generic competences. Reasearch methodology: In the 2015 there was conducted a quantitative research. The study involved the survey of 7047 adults of all ages from all over Lithuania. Referring to social and occupational status of the respondents, there were employees of SME’s unemployed, retired persons and seniors. Results and conclusions: Generic competences in terms of knowledge and abilities are important for every individual of the knowledge-based society. They provide added value in the labor market, social cohesion and active citizenship, by offering flexibility and adaptability, satisfaction and motivation. The concept of generic competences is on the focus of the different theoretical approaches discerning various features of generic competences. [...]Edukologijos tyrimų institutasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta