Project-based Learning (PjBL): Inculcating Soft Skills in 21st Century Workplace

Abstract21st Century employers are looking for graduates who possess soft skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, social and communication skills, flexiblity, team-spiritedness, good work attitude, self-motivation and self-management. Many skills learned through project-based learning are highly sought by today's employers including the ability to work well with others, handle interpersonal conflicts, make thoughtful decisions, as well as practise and solve complex problems. A project based learning (PjBL) approach was undertaken through a project assigned in a Workplace Communication course, to incorporate these soft skills. The project work assigned required students to investigate a workplace problem in a real workplace setting. This present study was conducted to identify the relevant soft skills acquired when undergoing the project work. It also aims to find out how PjBL has equipped students with the related soft skills in the 21st century workplace environment. In view of this, it is evident that project-based learning facilitates the growth of learners in acquiring the aforementioned skills