Learning How to Learn in a Real-Life Context

Abstract

Abstract. The soft-skills gap – the misalignment between the soft skills needed at the workplace and the soft skills possessed by the workforce – is considered to be widening, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents evidence from two focus-group interviews conducted in May 2021 and May 2022 in Greece. We wanted to understand the factors influencing the soft-skills gap and possible ways to narrow it. Participants were experts on soft skills, involved in various ways and roles in the teaching, training, and evaluation of soft skills. They expressed their concerns about the soft-skills gap and identified aspects that involved employees, employers, the work environment, and the broader social environment. The idea of a constantly changing environment led to the conclusion that adaptability, taking the initiative, and metacognitive skills are most important for university graduates. This conclusion came with a caveat: Learning should take place in real-life contexts, and universities should find ways to embed educational practices in social and work interactions, both inside and outside universities, working closely with local communities.