Developing Transversal Skills in Primary Education: A Comparative International Study

One of the major challenges in 21st-century education is the development of transversal skills, which are essential for fostering students’ adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking. This study is based on an international survey conducted in five countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, and Romania), analyzing the professional perspectives of primary school teachers on the implementation and challenges of transversal skill development. The study examines the demographic and professional characteristics of teachers and explores cross-country differences in the recognition and perceived importance of transversal skills. The findings indicate that while teachers widely acknowledge the significance of developing these skills, they face considerable obstacles, such as time constraints, a lack of methodological tools and resources, and students' lack of motivation. The policy and practical implications emphasize the need for targeted professional development programs for teachers and improvements in educational infrastructure to facilitate the effective integration of transversal skills into primary education.