IMPACT OF THE COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS’ COMPETENCES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The competency-based approach (CBA) represents a pedagogical paradigm that prioritizes the acquisition and cultivation of specific competencies over the accumulation of theoretical knowledge. This approach emphasizes the development of crucial skills necessary for students' future professional success and is widely recognized as one of the most efficacious educational methodologies globally. This study aims to examine and evaluate the influence of learning approaches employed in higher education, with a particular focus on the CBA, on student learning outcomes and the cultivation of essential competencies. To accomplish this objective, the researchers employed a quantitative research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to measure and analyze the impact of the CBA. The survey was administered to 104 students from diverse academic disciplines across Moroccan universities. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.77, which is considered acceptable. The findings reveal that the CBA significantly contributes to the development of key skills, including creativity, teamwork, cooperation, communication, and problem-solving abilities in students. Moreover, the study demonstrates a strong alignment of students' academic pursuits and internship experiences with their university education, which is evidenced by the fact that the majority of respondents (54.8% at the Higher School of Education and Training (HSET) and 24% at the Normal Higher School (NHS)) are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs in education. In conclusion, this research underscores the positive impact of competency-based learning approaches on the development of critical skills in higher education students. Furthermore, it highlights the congruence of students' academic trajectories and work placements with their university studies, indicating effective preparation for the demands of the labor market. These findings emphasize the importance of further integrating and promoting the CBA in higher education curricula to ensure a more robust alignment between acquired skills and the needs of the professional sphere.