Development of transversal skills in the classroom: Perspective of university students

Abstract

This study explores students' perceptions regarding the importance of transversal skills during their university career. It used an exploratory, descriptive, and qualitative approach in this study. The design was appropriate because it allowed the researchers to contextualize how participants perceived transversal skills in the classroom and their role within the study context. Convenience sampling is used in this study. One hundred thirty-three third-semester undergraduate students participated. Participants were interviewed for 30-60 minutes using a validated structured interview guide which was recorded and later transcribed. The Academic Body of Engineering and Systems (EnySis) reviewed the expanded interview texts which considered themes and statements to filter out data pertinent to the study. The results indicated that students in the relevant university programs perceived transversal skills as crucial for social interaction and their progression through undergraduate studies. According to the findings, students believed communication skills were essential. It found that students perceived communication skills as the most important. In higher education, the focus is usually on transmitting technical and theoretical knowledge specific to each area of study. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that students' success in their careers and professional lives depends not only on their technical knowledge but also on their transversal skills. Students must be supported in developing these through university education.