Conference paper 2024

Assessing Soft Skills Development in Informatics Students Through Project-Based Learning and Agile Frameworks

Proceedings - 10th International Symposium on Accreditation of Engineering and Computing Education, ICACIT 2024
Conference
Abstract

In the current dynamic and competitive job market, influenced by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence, Soft skills have become increasingly valuable. Similarly, today's informatics labor sector requires collaboration, ethics, and adaptability. However, traditional education often prioritizes technical skills over others. Thus, the present study aims to assess the development of soft skills in informatics students using the Project Based Learning (PBL) methodology within the context of Agile frameworks: Scrum and Kanban. A mixed-method study was designed using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Student outcomes based on ICACIT accreditation criteria were utilized to quantitatively assess soft skills, focusing on indicators such as teamwork, communication, professionalism, and ethics. A perception survey was conducted to qualitatively gather data on students' experiences in developing soft skills. The results indicate a positive academic performance, with achievement levels exceeding 70%. Students also reported favorable perceptions of acquiring soft skills, and there was a significant correlation between quantitative and qualitative findings. Lastly, the assessment shows that implementing PBL within agile frameworks positively impacted informatics students, especially in communication and teamwork skills. © 2024 IEEE.

Keywords

Author Keywords

soft skills PBL Assessment Student outcomes Agile informatics

Index Keywords

Students Project based learning Job market Assessment Soft skills Soft-skills development Rapid growth Student outcomes Agile Current dynamics Informatics
Author Affiliations
Departamento Académico de Ingeniería Informática, Universidad Nacional San Antonio Abad del Cusco, Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
1 Avila, Daymy Tamayo, Improving Teamwork in Agile Software Engineering Education: The ASEST+ Framework, IEEE Transactions on Education, 65, 1, pp. 18-29, (2022)
2 Matteson, Miriam Louise, “Soft skills”: A phrase in search of meaning, Portal, 16, 1, pp. 71-88, (2016)
3 AlHouli, Ali I., Assessing the soft skills needs of teacher education students, International Journal of Education and Practice, 8, 3, pp. 416-431, (2020)
4 Cukierman, Uriel Rubén, Soft skills in engineering education: A practical experience in an undergraduate course, Proceedings of 2014 International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning, ICL 2014, pp. 237-242, (2014)
5 Clasificador Nacional De Programas E Instituciones De Educacion Superior Y Tecnico Productiva 2022, (2022)
6 Stevens, Matt, Industry expectations of soft skills in IT graduates a regional survey, ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 01-05-February-2016, (2016)
7 Capretz, Luiz Fernando, Soft sides of software, Information and Software Technology, 92, pp. 92-94, (2017)
8 Succi, Chiara, Are you ready to find a job? Ranking of a list of soft skills to enhance graduates' employability, International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 19, 3, pp. 281-297, (2019)
9 Manual De Politicas Y Procedimientos De Acreditacion De Icacit, (2024)
10 Deep, Sadia, Improving the soft skills of engineering undergraduates in Malaysia through problem-based approaches and e-learning applications, Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning, 9, 4, pp. 662-676, (2019)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
0
Times Cited (Scopus)

References 10
Document Identifiers