Abstract
Paper aims The objective was to propose a Social Skills Training (SST) program integrated with project-based learning (PjBL) and to describe the student’s perception. Originality Social skills are recognized for promoting peer collaboration and are important requirements in professional environment. However, there are no proposals on how to integrate SST in PjBL. Research method The same PjBL was applied to students from different classes and at the same Production Engineering course. The first in 2017 without the SST, and in 2018, with the SST conducted by a psychologist. A survey with open-ended questions compiled students' perceptions in both applications. Main findings The qualitatively analyzed students' responses indicated changes regarding the perceived benefits of the PjBL over the years and students with SST cited the benefit of social interaction and teamwork. Implications for theory and practice The study points out that SST can be positive and brings effects in professional teams.
Highlights
Behaviors, skills, and competences related to the quality of interaction and social relationship between professionals have been increasingly recognized as essential in Higher Education
The proposed teaching model adhered to the project-based learning (PjBL) concept, and met requirements recommended by the literature for Skills Training (SST) programs
It is concluded that the PjBL proposal with the SST program was positively evaluated by the students and may have favored teamwork and contact with stakeholders
Summary
Skills, and competences related to the quality of interaction and social relationship between professionals have been increasingly recognized as essential in Higher Education. Studies use and sometimes mix different terminologies such as soft skills, emotional intelligence, interpersonal relationships, soft skills, and social skills. This variety of terminologies suggests a lack of knowledge and leads to a lack of rigor in the use of concepts and terms that have already been defined and have empirical support in Psychology. The theoretical-practical field of Social Skills, circumscribed in Psychology, was structured over 50 years ago with production related to interactions and interpersonal relationships (Del Prette & Del Prette, 2019). Among the various definitions of social skills (Caballo, 1993), they are considered as classes of social behaviors that increase the likelihood of favorable consequences for both the individual as well as for others, contributing to the success and effectiveness of social interaction (social competence) (Del Prette & Del Prette, 2010)
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