Competencies in higher education: critical knots and innovation opportunities

Abstract

This article summarizes the main theoretical developments on the concept of competen- cies in education, with emphasis on the studies produced in our region and its translation to higher education. The text presents the discussion, components and categorization of competencies, its complex relationship with the teaching of substantive knowledge, its purposes and merit. In the last section the document displays some reflections and ques- tions about the relevance and applicability of the competency approach in undergraduate and postgraduate education.