- Experience success in real situations as a result of using their skills effectively (Ref: QCDA, CC: BY-NC-ND)
The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) identifies five key competencies:
- Thinking
- Using language, symbols and text
- Managing self
- Relating to others
- Participating and contributing (Ref: NZME 2010 CC: BY-NC-ND)
Mary Chamberlain, from the Ministry of Education in New Zealand, provides a brief description of the key competencies, explaining their importance for employment and personal well-being. [Watch Video]
(Ref: NZME 2010)
At first you might consider these five competencies something over and above what you have already been tasked to perform, namely teach the curriculum! We argue that in fact, encouraging students to acquire these skills can enhance their understanding of your subject. Look at this justification used in British education.
Teachers identify key concepts and processes in the subject area, describe the function and purpose of subject-specific tools, understanding of these key concepts and processes (KD.2.a).
