The Role of Soft Skills in University Education in Costa Rica: A Call for Change in Curriculum and Evaluation Practices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n10.021

Keywords:

Social skills, soft skills, educational system, labor market

Abstract

In this article, we analyze the importance of teaching soft skills in education and the need for them to be incorporated into a higher education curriculum. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a review of these aspects, which are very necessary today, both at the educational and business level; since the importance of soft skills in the professional training of students is demonstrated, as well as the need to implement training for teachers. It is through these skills that they will be able to face labor competition, since they are highly demanded by employers and companies, since they seek dynamic people, with adaptability, empowerment and the ability to react favorably to adversity, because they facilitate problem solving, teamwork, work ethics, among other aspects, in addition to the fact that, in the future, through these acquired skills, they will be able to provide significant contributions at a social level, as well as economic and productivity within their jobs. It is evident that communication skills, teamwork, problem solving and time management are necessary parts.

Author Biographies

Manuel Aguilar Yuste, University of Extremadura. Area of Sociology (Spain).

Dr. Manuel Aguilar Yuste, received his University Diploma in Teaching (specializing in Primary Education), his Bachelor's Degree in Social Anthropology and obtained his PhD in Economics and Business from the University of Extremadura (Spain). He holds a Master's Degree in Cooperative Business Management from the University of Mondragón (Spain), and a Master's Degree in Emotional Intelligence from the University of Valencia (Spain). He is a university professor and researcher in the Area of Sociology at the University of Extremadura (Spain) and at the Central American Institute for Public Administration (Costa Rica).

Eric Corrales Rojas, Doctoral student, Central American Institute of Public Administration (Costa Rica).

Mr. Eric Corrales Rojas, currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Management and Business Sciences at the Central American Institute of Public Administration (ICAP). Holds a Master's degree in Project Management from San José University, a Bachelor's degree in Teaching with an emphasis on Systems Engineering from the same institution, and a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering from Magister University. Certified in Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, SAFe Agile, SCRUM, KAIZEN, A+, Linux+, Server+ at HPE, and ISTQB at Cenfotec. Works at Hewlett Packard Enterprise as a Senior Manager of NPI (New Program Interface) and Servers as the Agile LACE Group Leader within the Global Technology and Cybersecurity Supply Chain. Additionally, he is an internal tutor and speaker for the company.

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Published

21-10-2024

How to Cite

Aguilar Yuste, M., & Corrales Rojas, E. (2024). The Role of Soft Skills in University Education in Costa Rica: A Call for Change in Curriculum and Evaluation Practices. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 9(10), 179–193. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2024.v09.n10.021