Understanding Contemporary Competencies: Views of Humanities and Social Studies Students in Central Europe

Abstract Book of the 9th World Conference on Education and Teaching

Year: 2026

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Understanding Contemporary Competencies: Views of Humanities and Social Studies Students in Central Europe

Dr. Agnieszka Nymś-Górna

ABSTRACT:

In my presentation, I would like to present the results of research conducted as part of the project “Enhancing Quality Teaching of Humanities and Social Sciences in Higher Education for 21+” (2021-1-CZ01-KA220-HED-000031122). The presentation will address contemporary challenges faced by young people as interpreted by students of humanities and social sciences at three universities: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland), Hradec Králové University (Czech Republic), and the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra (Slovakia). A total of 603 students completed the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) survey. I would like to focus on presenting the 4C competencies: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and creativity. From the perspective of formal higher education, these competencies are strengthened during humanities and social sciences studies, and it was evident that students themselves recognized their importance in the context of the future (including professional development). The surveyed students were also aware of the opportunities to develop these competencies during their education.

Keywords: Education; Challenges; Higher Education; Skills