DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ PROFESSIONAL SKILLS BASED ON THE GERMAN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE: THE IMPORTANCE OF DUAL EDUCATION, CRITICAL THINKING, AND COMMUNICATION COMPETENCIES
Keywords:
German education system, dual education, professional competence, critical thinking, communication competence, communication skills, practical education, higher education, professional skillsAbstract
This article analyzes the pedagogical opportunities for developing students’ professional skills based on the German educational experience. Particular attention is given to the role of the dual education system in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training, as well as to the development of critical thinking and communication competencies. German dual study programmes combine academic and vocational learning and provide students with opportunities to acquire practical experience and professional competencies. Critical thinking, communication and collaboration are recognized as important generic competencies in higher education and professional development. The German higher education context also emphasizes the development of interdisciplinary competencies, including problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
References
1. Mordhorst L., Jenert T. Curricular integration of academic and vocational education: a theory-based empirical typology of dual study programmes in Germany // Higher Education. 2023. Vol. 85. P. 1257–1279.
2. Ma B., Krötz M., Winther E. Domain-linked and domain-specific competence: a validation study of a two-dimensional model of economic vocational competence in Germany // Vocations and Learning. 2024. Vol. 17. P. 459–485.
3. Van Damme D., Zahner D., Cortellini O., Dawber T., Rotholz K. Assessing and developing critical-thinking skills in higher education // European Journal of Education. 2023. Vol. 58, № 3. P. 369–386.
4. Fassbender U. Collective skill formation regimes in times of Covid-19: a governancefocused analysis of the German dual training system // International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training. 2022. Vol. 9, № 2. P. 167–194.
5. Developing critical thinking in technical and vocational education and training // Education Sciences. 2023. Vol. 13, № 6. Article 590
6. Mordhorst L., Jenert T. Curricular integration of academic and vocational education in German dual study programmes: theoretical and empirical perspectives // Higher Education. 2023. Vol. 85. P. 1257–1279.
