Between the global and the national. The concept of competence in the national curriculum of Brazil and Norway

Abstract

The aim of this study was to see the influence of the concept of competence on the national curriculum of Brazil and Norway. The competence framework, developed by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), which serves as a theoretical foundation for the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), was chosen to approach this issue. This study is a qualitative multiple-case study, using document analysis and semi-structured interview with teachers as research tools. This study showed that Brazil and Norway adopt the concept of competence in curricular documents and practice. On the other hand, the way Brazil and Norway adopt this concept varies according to their national contexts, as the current educational situation, the national history and heritage, the connectivity with global questions, the teachers’ perceptions, working and pedagogical conditions.