Module -Storytelling

Competences for lifelong learning

The European parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe agree on the importance of eight key competences for Life Long Learning . The European Framework for Key Competences for Lifelong Learning ▾ identifies and defines eight key competences necessary for personal fulfilment, active citizenship, social inclusion and employability in a knowledge society:



Of these eight key competences some are more domain oriented (languages, science, technology and math competences); others are more transversal. They do not relate to a particular subject matter domain.

1. Literacy competence

Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, express, create and interpret concepts, feelings, facts and opinions in both oral and written forms, using visual, sound/audio and digital materials across disciplines and contexts. It implies the ability to communicate and connect effectively with others, in an appropriate and creative way.
Development of literacy forms the basis for further learning and further linguistic interaction. Depending on the context, literacy competence can be developed in the mother tongue, the language of schooling and/or the official language in a country or region.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

2. Multilingual or language competence

This competence defines the ability to use different languages appropriately and effectively for communication. It broadly shares the main skill dimensions of literacy: it is based on the ability to understand, express and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, facts and opinions in both oral and written form (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in an appropriate range of societal and cultural contexts according to one’s wants or needs. Languages competences integrate a historical dimension and intercultural competences. It relies on the ability to mediate between different languages and media, as outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference. As appropriate, it can include maintaining and further developing mother tongue competences, as well as the acquisition of a country’s official language(s).

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

3. Science, technological, engineering and mathematical competence

Mathematical competence is the ability to develop and apply mathematical thinking and insight in order to solve a range of problems in everyday situations. Building on a sound mastery of numeracy, the emphasis is on process and activity, as well as knowledge. Mathematical competence involves, to different degrees, the ability and willingness to use mathematical modes of thought and presentation (formulas, models, constructs, graphs, charts).
Competence in science refers to the ability and willingness to explain the natural world by making use of the body of knowledge and methodology employed, including observation and experimentation, in order to identify questions and to draw evidence-based conclusions. Competences in technology and engineering are applications of that knowledge and methodology in response to perceived human wants or needs. Competence in science, technology and engineering involves an understanding of the changes caused by human activity and responsibility as an individual citizen.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

4. Digital competence

Digital competence involves the confident, critical and responsible use of, and engagement with, digital technologies for learning, at work, and for participation in society. It includes information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, media literacy, digital content creation (including programming), safety (including digital well-being and competences related to cybersecurity), intellectual property related questions, problem solving and critical thinking.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

5. Personal, social and learning competence

Personal, social and learning to learn competence is the ability to reflect upon oneself, effectively manage time and information, work with others in a constructive way, remain resilient and manage one’s own learning and career. It includes the ability to cope with uncertainty and complexity, learn to learn, support one’s physical and emotional well-being, to maintain physical and mental health, and to be able to lead a health-conscious, future-oriented life, empathize and manage conflict in an inclusive and supportive context.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

6. Civic competence

Citizenship competence is the ability to act as responsible citizens and to fully participate in civic and social life, based on understanding of social, economic, legal and political concepts and structures, as well as global developments and sustainability.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

7. Entrepreneurship competence

Entrepreneurship competence refers to the capacity to act upon opportunities and ideas, and to transform them into values for others. It is founded upon creativity, critical thinking and problem solving, taking initiative and perseverance and the ability to work collaboratively in order to plan and manage projects that are of cultural, social or financial value.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾

8. Cultural awareness and expression competence

Competence in cultural awareness and expression involves having an understanding of and respect for how ideas and meaning are creatively expressed and communicated in different cultures and through a range of arts and other cultural forms. It involves being engaged in understanding, developing and expressing one’s own ideas and sense of place or role in society in a variety of ways and contexts.

Source: Europäische Kommission, Generaldirektion Bildung, Jugend, Sport und Kultur, Key competences for lifelong learning, Publications Office, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/291008 ▾


In the Storycomp project no competences domains or aspects are excluded, but we assume that storytelling is especially powerful for developing the competences 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Meanwhile we see also a potential to work on other competences through the content of stories, rather than through the story telling as such. We wish to stress once more that in the competence area of cultural awareness and expression we see the extra opportunity of storytelling as something adult learners will learn to do, and not just as something they will learn from. Here the learning vehicle becomes one of the goals in itself.