Generic Skill Level of UKM Students after Pursuing the Compulsory General Studies Courses

Abstract

Generic skills are skills that are needed for a student to function effectively when performing a job. Higher education institutions are responsible for producing quality graduates not only in academics but also in terms of having skills such as leadership, communication skills, critical thinking and decision-making skills a Ministry of Higher Education is setting the standard for all curriculum in higher education in Malaysia should have a design incorporating generic skills which include thinking skills, problem solving and decisions making, interpersonal and communication skills; skills in information technology, multimedia and information management skills, leadership skills, and entrepreneurship skills. A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the courses at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia in implementing the generic skills to 237 students. The study reveals that all aspects of the generic skills studied showed an increase in the perception of the students. Students felt their generic skills had increased after taking these courses.