Developing Transversal Skills in Student Centered Learning Environments

COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) has shown effectiveness in the development of transversal skills, as well as supporting the understanding of global issues and preparing students to face the challenges of a globalized world. In this research, the authors report evidence of the development of four transversal skills: teamwork, creativity, social ethics and reflection. The activity analysed exemplifies a student-centered learning environment because the essence of COIL is to provide learning to undergraduates while they carry out a project in international teams. The COIL activity we describe was carried out in MarchApril 2024 among students from three universities. 57 students from 8 nationalities and 18 different areas of knowledge were involved. The design was consistent with SDG 8 decent work and economic growth, and SDG 10, reducing inequalities. Through AI of text and feeling analysis, we found that the social ethics competence is strengthened. For the teamwork competence, students state that the ice breaker activities favour the organisation and performance of the team. In terms of creativity, this was worked during the icebreaker and the results have been above expectations. Finally, in the reflection, the students have shown that this experience has changed them and has helped them to obtain or improve skills that will help them in their professional future.