**3.4 Soft skills**

Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, are vital for success in the twenty-first century workforce. TVET institutions must prioritize the development of these skills through curricular and extracurricular activities to ensure that graduates are well-rounded and adaptable to various workplace environments.

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the twenty-first century must embrace innovative teaching approaches and focus on developing the necessary competencies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. By incorporating problem-based learning, blended learning, flipped classrooms, and workintegrated learning, TVET institutions can create an engaging and effective learning environment [13]. Furthermore, by emphasizing green skills, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation, and soft skills development, TVET can better prepare students for success in the global workforce [14].

To ensure that TVET graduates possess the skills and knowledge required by employers, it is essential to align competency indicators with industry requirements [14]. This can be achieved through several strategies:


As industries evolve and labor market demands change, it is crucial to ensure that competency indicators remain flexible and adaptable. This can be achieved by:

• Regularly reviewing and updating competency indicators: TVET institutions should establish processes for regularly reviewing and updating competency indicators to ensure that they remain relevant and responsive to changing industry needs.

*Perspective Chapter: TVET in the 21st Century – A Focus on Innovative Teaching... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112516*


## **4. Assessment of competency**

Assessing learners' progress and measuring their competencies are essential components of an effective TVET program. A variety of assessment methods and tools can be employed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that students acquire throughout their training. This section discusses several assessment methods and tools commonly used in TVET settings, including formative assessments, summative assessments, self-assessment and peer assessment, e-portfolio assessment, and authentic and performance-based assessments.

### **5. Formative assessments**

Formative assessments are on-going evaluations conducted throughout the learning process to provide students and instructors with feedback on progress and areas for improvement. These assessments are diagnostic in nature and help identify gaps in knowledge and skills that require further attention. Examples of formative assessments in TVET settings include quizzes, class discussions, practical demonstrations, and instructor observations. By providing regular feedback, formative assessments enable students to adjust their learning strategies and help instructors tailor their teaching approaches to address individual needs.

### **6. Summative assessments**

Summative assessments are evaluations conducted at the end of a learning unit, course, or program to determine whether students have achieved the desired level of competency. These assessments provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and are often used to assign final grades or certifications. In TVET settings, summative assessments can take various forms, including written exams, practical tests, and final projects. Summative assessments serve as a valuable measure of program effectiveness and help ensure that TVET graduates are prepared for the workforce.

### **7. Self-assessment and peer assessment**

Self-assessment and peer assessment involve students evaluating their own work or the work of their peers, based on established criteria and standards. These assessment methods promote reflection, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills. In TVET settings, self-assessment and peer assessment can be used

in conjunction with other assessment methods, such as formative and summative assessments, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student performance. Examples of self-assessment and peer assessment activities include peer review of written assignments, group presentations, and collaborative problem-solving tasks.
