THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPETENCY-BASED APPROACH IN DATA ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT

This article examines competencies aimed at data analysis. To assess learners’ abilities to analyze data within the education system, numerous scientific studies by various researchers were reviewed and analyzed. The object of the study is the Database course, and the respondents were second-year undergraduate students majoring in Information Systems and Technologies at the University of Information Technologies and Management. The study emphasizes the necessity of technical competencies in data analysis, and a survey was conducted to identify the extent to which these competencies are present among the student cohort. The results are presented in the form of tables and diagrams.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В этой статье рассматриваются компетенции, направленные на анализ данных. Для оценки способности учащихся анализировать данные в системе образования были рассмотрены и проанализированы многочисленные научные исследования различных авторов. Объектом исследования является курс «Базы данных», а респондентами были студенты второго курса бакалавриата, обучающиеся по направлению «Информационные системы и технологии» в Университете информационных технологий и менеджмента. Исследование подчеркивает необходимость технических компетенций в анализе данных, и был проведен опрос для выявления степени их наличия среди студенческого контингента. Результаты представлены в виде таблиц и диаграмм.

Keywords: education, data analysis, subject domain, competency-based approach, development, database, analysis, technical competence, professional competence, modern education.

Ключевые слова: образование, анализ данных, предметная область, компетентностный подход, развитие, база данных, анализ, техническая компетенция, профессиональная компетенция, современное образование.

Introduction

In the context of globalization and the rapid growth of digital technologies, the requirements imposed on the education system are undergoing fundamental changes. Under contemporary development conditions, the educational process should not be limited to the transmission of theoretical knowledge; rather, it is essential to develop students’ abilities to apply this knowledge in practice, think independently, and make optimal decisions in problem-based situations. In this regard, the competency-based approach has emerged as one of the most effective pedagogical approaches in modern education.

The competency-based approach aims to closely link the content of education with learners’ future professional activities and to orient acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward their application in real-life situations. This approach enhances learners’ engagement, fosters the development of creative thinking, and contributes to the formation of professional competence.

Today, employers expect specialists not only to possess strong theoretical knowledge but also to demonstrate competencies in problem analysis, information processing, teamwork, and continuous professional development. Therefore, the implementation of a competency-based approach in the educational process and the enhancement of its effectiveness are regarded as pressing pedagogical challenges.

Literature Review and Methodology

In the scientific article by T.U.Jo’rayeva, the historical development, content, structural components of the concept of competence, and the necessity of its integration into the educational process are analyzed on a scientific basis. The author also discusses the role of this approach in training competitive specialists. General definitions of competence and competency are provided, and the aspects that distinguish these concepts are clarified. Sources related to the historical development of the competency-based approach in education are analyzed and classified into four stages [1]. The article is analytical in nature; therefore, practical results are not presented.

Various definitions and perspectives on competence exist. M.B.Norqulova provides the following interpretation of competence: “It is defined as an individual’s awareness in a particular field and the level of knowledge of that field. From a legal perspective, competence is an authority granted to an individual by law” [2]. In the article, competencies are divided into two categories, and definitions and examples are provided for each. This study is also analytical in nature and is primarily based on theoretical findings.

In the research conducted by О.В.Данилова and Л.З.Самигуллина, the significance of social and humanitarian disciplines in teaching students at technical higher education institutions based on a competency-based approach is analyzed [3]. The relevance of the research topic is justified by the need to train comprehensively developed specialists under modern conditions. The concept of the competency-based approach and its role in the preparation of future technical specialists are explained. Specific features of students’ acquisition of social and humanitarian knowledge are identified, and existing problem areas are revealed. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the necessity of the competency-based approach in the contemporary period, as it contributes to the formation of essential professional and social qualities in students and develops their ability to navigate various situations and make decisions based on comprehensive analysis.

In the studies by G.N. Ponomarev, N.F. Radionova, and S.V. Rivkina, the attitude of future physical education teachers toward the educational process as a key professional task of pedagogical activity is scientifically analyzed [4]. Through the analysis, generalization, and systematization of empirical data, the level of future teachers’ understanding of the significance of education, educational objectives, methods, and preferred forms of instructional activities is identified. The results demonstrate that, under modern conditions, the most effective and widely applied educational approaches play a crucial role in shaping students’ professional preparedness and pedagogical competence. This research may have scientific and practical significance in organizing the professional and pedagogical activities of future teachers effectively.

The study by Cejas Martinez Magda Francisca, Mendoza Velazco Derling Jose, Navarro Cejas Mercedes, Rogel Villacis Jose Lenin, and Ortega Yanet Marisol entitled “A Performance-Centred Competency-Based Approach to Quality University Teaching” is conducted on a theoretical-descriptive basis and incorporates a quality-oriented paradigm [5]. Data were collected through interviews with 14 instructors working at various universities in Quito, Ecuador. The findings are supported by a literature review conducted by the researchers. Interview participants identified cognitive competencies as the most important in the context of teacher training. Due to the professionalization of universities, the importance of research, planning, and organizational skills was not clearly determined. The authors conclude that university curricula in Ecuador require pedagogical revision.

X.R. Djurayev and D.M. Matkurbonov address issues related to training specialists in the context of digital transformation [6]. The impact of information infrastructure on various sectors of society is examined. Foreign engineering education models and the role of a competency-based approach in training specialists in network technologies are analyzed. Definitions of the concept of competence are provided, and the importance of developing specific competencies among graduates in network technologies is emphasized. The key tasks and requirements for network technology specialists in data transmission are also examined.

Currently, numerous scientific studies are being conducted on teaching in various fields. In particular, N.T. Prilipko and V.T. Koval have investigated the effective use and integration of various pedagogical forms and methods in teaching biochemistry to students of veterinary medicine [7]. In the process of studying biochemistry, students develop general subject competencies, enabling them to apply knowledge in practical activities and solve future professional problems. The competency-based approach, which is crucial in the modernization of higher education, serves to ensure students’ professional and social mobility by forming the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

As the volume of data continues to grow, it is essential to address issues related to optimizing data analysis processes in order to classify information by domain and use it effectively when needed. Therefore, there is an increasing need to adapt to modern technologies and use them rationally [8, 9, 10]. The training of information technology specialists engaged in data analysis is considered one of the most pressing challenges today. In higher education institutions, it is necessary to apply innovative technologies to develop students’ professional competencies more deeply and in accordance with contemporary requirements.

Effective data analysis requires the integration of knowledge from related disciplines, such as databases, systems analysis, programming languages, and others. A data analyst must first have a clear understanding of the subject domain and possess relevant competencies. For example, technical competencies (hard skills) are among the fundamental requirements, and their structure is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Structural Elements of Technical Competencies

Results

At the beginning of the Database course, a survey was conducted among second-year undergraduate students majoring in Information Technologies at the University of Information Technologies and Management in order to assess the level of development of their data analysis competencies based on the competencies presented in Figure 1.

Table 1.

Level of Technical Competencies among Students

A total of 20 students participated in the survey. The initial structure of the questionnaire is presented in Table 1.

Before the questionnaire was administered to the students, the instructor introduced himself/herself and congratulated them on the successful start of the new academic year. The students were encouraged to be open and focused, and were advised to indicate only one level for each technical competency. Sufficient time was allocated for thoughtful completion of the questionnaire during the class session.

Table 2.

Results of the Level of Technical Competencies among Students

According to the results presented in Table 2, the most positive outcome was observed in the data analysis process using the Excel tool, with 13 students indicating that they possess this competency. Such a positive result suggests that Microsoft Office packages were effectively taught in schools and technical colleges and that these skills are sufficient for addressing the problems students currently encounter.

In contrast, the lower results observed for the remaining competencies indicate that these areas have not yet been sufficiently mastered by the students. To clearly illustrate these findings, the results were visualized in the form of a diagram using the Microsoft Excel package (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Quantitative Indicators of the Level of Technical Competencies

Discussion

The development of technical competencies in data analysis among students has become one of the top priorities of modern higher education. This process goes beyond merely learning software tools; it aims to integrate critical thinking with an algorithmic approach. At the initial stage, students need to master the mathematical and statistical foundations of data handling, as any technical tool (such as Python, R, or SQL) can produce effective results only when supported by a solid theoretical knowledge base. Core competencies in data analysis-namely data collection, cleaning, and processing-enable students to systematize raw information, filter out errors, and prepare data for meaningful analysis.

Conclusion

Not only students, but human beings in general, from the moment of birth, analyze information and accumulate knowledge necessary for their needs. They then evaluate this knowledge and derive optimal conclusions. Therefore, various approaches to data analysis exist, and referring to it in scientific terms as a competency-based approach is not an exaggeration. To enhance students’ data analysis competencies, the Database course is appropriately structured as a fundamental discipline in higher education institutions. This enables students to feel confident at an advanced level of data analysis and to apply these skills across different domains. The use of modern software tools in data analysis helps save time and obtain more accurate and well-structured results. Consequently, possessing technical competencies in data analysis is considered essential.

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