In collaboration with the Norwegian Central Organization Virke, we have received training in "Balansekunst", a system developed by Tormod Skjerve to document competence. The system describes key competencies in the balance between people and technology, flexibility and routines, and pace versus presence.

The model has become a standard for documenting competence in the workplace, and is particularly good for highlighting knowledge and experiences built up outside the traditional school system.

Key competencies

These are the key competencies developed at Elverum Folk High School.

People–Technology	Flexibility–Routines	Tempo–Presence
Relationship building	Self-development	Results oriented
Interaction	Creativity	Availability
Communication	Project management
	Professionalism

People–Technology

Relationship building

Can build good relationships in a wide variety of situations and types of people, to create security and trust and develop empathy, respect and tolerance.

Interaction

Able to collaborate, plan and facilitate interaction in a wide variety of groups. Can support, involve, create joy and stand up for and with others. Takes responsibility for good holistic solutions and a good collaborative climate to achieve the best possible process and results.

Communication

Has the ability to make messages precise, both written, oral and non-verbally through word choice, clarity, communication and channel choice.

Flexibility–Routines

Self-development

Has the ability to develop their professional and personal competence and qualities, in continuous interaction with the needs and desires of others. Sees the connection between their own mastery and others' ability to feel mastery.

Creativity

Has good knowledge of creativity and the ability to create processes that provide new solutions and open up new ways to achieve a valuable result. Sees the value of playing, trial and error, as well as the benefits of diversity in creative processes.

Project management

Can structure and plan larger and smaller projects for themselves or in different groups in an efficient and appropriate manner to achieve the desired result within a given time.

Can gather relevant information, think strategically, evaluate and make choices.

Professionalism

Master basic techniques and know advanced professional methods and concepts, both practical and theoretical.

Can structure academic work, set goals and choose learning methods that provide academic mastery and progression. 

Has the ability to combine theoretical and practical knowledge into a whole in professional work.

Tempo–Presence

Result oriented

Can make necessary priorities and make decisions that lead to the desired result. Can involve and facilitate others to achieve goals and show good results.

Availability

Understand the importance of presence both physically and mentally – both for oneself and others.

Understands individuals' need for security and to be seen, heard and understood.