TECHNOLOGY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS OF FUTURE ARCHITECTS

Abstract

Abstract. In the era of intensive development of AI technologies personal characteristics and soft skills are increasingly seen as competitive advantages for specialists. Research states that future architects require highly-developed critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, team-work skills, creativity and vision, leadership. Though these skills are in high demand among students and employers, scarce research offers readily available technologies of soft skills development. Moreover, only 19% of academic staff intentionally incorporate tasks aimed at enhancing soft skills’ development into their courses. This study proposes a technology of soft skills development embedded into teaching English language course implemented for future architects, focusing on raising awareness on soft skills. The authors aim to test a technology for soft skills development for future architects via customized training course and to analyze the feedback on its implementation. The authors conducted a literature review to identify specific soft skills relevant to future architects; created a technology based on student-centered approach and project-based learning; piloted the course on soft skills development based on the created technology during the 2023–2024 academic year; analyzed the course’s feedback survey of 33 Bachelor students of the 3rd course with B2 level of Proficiency in English. The results showed positive feedback from students, with 91% expressing satisfaction with the content of the course and education process organization. Students noted the relevance of the course content, its practical orientation, and the informational value for further development of soft skills. Students also offered recommendations for modifying the course content and methods of presenting educational information. This study sheds light on the importance of integrating soft skills training into academic curricula to better prepare students for the demands of the job market. The insights gained from this study can be used to implement the technology offered for students across various fields.