Fostering transversal skills: a pedagogical experience in higher educational programs of technology

Abstract

The short-cycle higher educational programs called CTeSP, with a strong practical and technological focus, designed to meet labour market demands, were introduced in Portugal by 2014. This paper explores the challenges faced both by the Smart Grids and Domotics CTeSP and by the Electric Vehicles CTeSP taught at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal. The reorganization strategy applied, tailored to the characteristics of Generation Z, who prefer dynamic and engaging learning approaches, is presented. This strategy consisted of restructuring the organizational and pedagogical framework of the programs to motivate students and address the high dropout and failure rates of these CTeSP by incorporating active methodologies while fostering transversal skills like focus, adaptability, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for employability, contributing to improve the students’ academic performance. The results achieved by the implementation of this pedagogical experience are also presented and analyzed.