Generic Competences in University Students from Barranquilla, Colombia

Abstract

Study describes the level of importance and development of _generic competences_ from the perception of a group of students of higher education in the city of Barranquilla (Colombia). According to Wattiez Franco (2007, cited in Beneitone et al., 2007), competences are the capabilities that every human being requires to resolve life situations efficiently and autonomously; not only the _how-to_ to solve problems, but the knowledge that allows an individual to be part —as a person— of a complex, changing and competitive world. Competences are divided into three categories: basic, generic and specific. The _generic competences_ are the general knowledge, skills and abilities that any graduate student must have before entering the job market. The generic competences discussed here (mathematical and quantitative thinking, communication in a second language and commitment to the environment) are addressed from the perspective of the _Alfa Tuning Latin America Project_ and the guidelines of the National Ministry of Education of Colombia. The study allowed the researchers to understand how undergraduate students of last semesters are facing profound transformations due to the challenges of the current Knowledge Society, and how they consider generic competences as “highly valuable”; but, at same time, it shows the academic struggles they face to develop these same competences.