About this Research Topic

Background

Twenty-first century competencies are skills and abilities that are considered essential for individuals to thrive in today's society, which is characterised by rapid technological advances and social and economic change. These competences are also a challenge for higher education, as educational institutions need to adapt in order to prepare students effectively. Higher education must therefore adapt and focus its efforts on the development of competences such as: critical thinking and problem solving, cooperation and teamwork, effective communication, digital literacy, continuous learning and adaptability, global and cultural awareness, innovation and creativity, and so on.

In short, higher education is challenged to adapt to an ever-changing world by preparing students not only with specific knowledge, but also with skills and attitudes that will enable them to thrive in 21st century society. The traditional focus on the acquisition of knowledge is complemented by a growing need for transversal skills and competences. Higher education must therefore embrace pedagogical innovation, giving priority and space to transversal competences to empower students on their path to success. This implies the revision and transformation of teaching methods, the incorporation of educational technologies and the development of programmes that promote the holistic development of students within the framework of tertiary education.

The purpose of this Research Topic is to address the issue of how higher education is adapting to the dynamic 21st century, focusing on the development of transversal competences that are essential for young people to thrive in today's society. In short, this Research Topic is intended as a contribution to understanding and addressing current challenges in higher education, offering a broad perspective on how educational institutions can be proactive agents in preparing individuals to thrive in the ever-evolving society of the 21st century.

We cordially invite academics and practitioners to share their findings and ideas derived from empirical studies, teaching programmes and literature reviews on the exploration of new ways of approaching teaching and learning processes in order to respond to the educational needs of today's university students, promoting transversal competences that guarantee quality education and enhance young people's employability.

Ultimately, the aim is to collectively contribute to the emerging discourse on this specific topic by offering valuable perspectives, sound methodologies and research results that seek to respond to the challenges of the current higher education system and thus significantly improve our understanding of the topic.

Keywords: Transversal competencies, higher education, life skills, active methodologies, employability

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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