Identifying characteristics of a competence-based agricultural higher education system: a literature review

PurposeThis study attempts to determine a set of characteristics for each educational component in the competence-based agricultural education system.DesignThis study reviewed 95 articles published in four relevant scientific journals to determine the characteristics of a competence-based higher agricultural education system. These characteristics were determined based on competence-based education principles.Findings: The results of this review indicated that, based on the CBE principles, the competencies for agricultural educational components identified in the reviewed articles could be summarized in 22 categories.Practical implications: The main practical implication is that the universities can consider the results of this study as a set of guidelines in the admission of qualified learners and educators, revising curriculum and organizing dynamic learning environment in line with the CBE characteristics.Theoretical implications: The results of this study could take CBE principles one step further in that, determining characteristics of a competence-based higher agricultural education system can be a guideline on how these principles could be implemented in an education system.Originality/value: This study is original because it tries to bring CBE principles as a valuable theory into practice by the agricultural education systems.