Transferable Skills

Transferable or generic skills are useful across different subjects and employment contexts (Bridges, 1993) and include communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and problem-solving skills, learning how to learn, personal and professional development, amongst others (Washer, 2007) (Carvalho, 2016).  PBL actively involves students in their own learning, and studies have shown that the enquiry process that they engage in is effective in promoting learning outcomes including deep thinking, the ability to apply knowledge, and reasoning skills compared to a traditional didactic approach (Chu, Tse & Chow, 2011).  

These so-called “soft skills” such as problem-solving, self-directed learning and collaboration are in great demand from employers (Abraham & Karns, 2009; Rubin & Dierdorff, 2009).  The Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks (2014) recommend that “Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace”.  The changing nature of the workplace, due to globalisation, digitalisation and global crises such as the 2020 pandemic, has an impact on the skills required for the 21st century job market.

Carvalho (2016) notes that student satisfaction is increased as skills noticeably develop.  Contact with real businesses and industries is vital in the PBL process, as students have the opportunity to see the inner workings of an organisation.  They can envisage their furture working lives,  and have a better grasp on the skills required to follow their chosen career path.