Development of transversal skills in university studies: student experience

Abstract

The idea of the development of transversal skills in higher education, especially in university studies was established by The Bologna Process. Recent research on transversal skills in higher education points out the fact that higher education including university studies is already dealing with the turn towards inclusive transversal skills development. The current study is concentrated on the development of student transversal skills in university studies with the aim of investigating the phenomenon of the development of student transversal skills in university studies. The research results identify that the development of student transversal skills in university studies depends on internal personal characteristics and external social factors which include colleague influence, exchanging ideas and institutional impact. The research participants also disclose their perception that there occurs a substantial improvement of their transversal skills during the university studies. Nevertheless, they also stress their perceived needs for developing certain transversal skills which are necessary in their later professional work life. The research participants identify that special attention should be paid to such transversal skills as communication and foreign languages, the ability to apply innovations and creativity, analytical skills and critical thinking, learning to learn and time management.