Advantages and Disadvantages of Teaching Students Via Competent Based Approach in Order to Improve Their Listening and Speaking in Finland

Аннотация

The competency-based approach (CBA) has gained widespread adoption in educational systems around
the world, notably in Finland, where it complements the country’s emphasis on developing practical skills and lifelong
learning. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks of using CBA to improve students’ speaking and listening
abilities in Finnish classrooms, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) settings. The study highlights how
CBA promotes individualized, real-world communication while addressing challenges such as resource limitations and
inconsistent assessment. The analysis draws on a review of the literature on Finnish vocational and general education
practices, EFL teaching methodologies, and broader applications of CBA. Improved communication skills, learner
autonomy, and the integration of authentic tasks are identified as key benefits that enhance speaking and listening fluency
and interaction. Conversely, time constraints, student anxiety, and the absence of standardized oral examinations are
recognized as drawbacks that may hinder the development of comprehensive communicative skills. The findings indicate
that although CBA significantly enhances oral proficiency within Finland’s student-centered educational system, its overall
effectiveness depends on teacher preparation, curricular adaptability, and the removal of cultural barriers to cooperation.
The article recommends increasing oral practice activities in textbooks and introducing national-level oral assessments to
better align educational outcomes with global communicative demands