Abstract:

The development of transversal competences in students is, many times, a difficult task for teachers, since there are competences that would be develop together for students of the same course or studies, transcending the subject itself.

In this study we use the game design in non-game context (Vargas-Enríquez et al., 2015) for the development of transversal competences. The game methodology for “serious works” allows increase concentration, effort, motivation and collaboration (Sánchez I Peris, 2015). It also develops the troubleshooting competences (Hamari y Koivisto, 2013) and it generates trust feelings, self-confidence, implication, and autonomy, that allows them to intensify their interaction with the learning environment (Prieto et al., 2014).

The main objective was to adapt a strategy game aimed at developing generic labor competences in undergraduate and master students and at increasing their knowledge about the different roles and occupations that they could perform when they will finish their academic path.

The stages used for its development were the following:
1. Search and identification of job opportunities in Psychology studies.
2. Analysis and determination of the strategy game to follow, the rules and conditions to acquire the knowledge that is sought and develop the desired skills.
3. Prepare the instructions for the game using a vocabulary adapted to the field of professional opportunities and professional career development itineraries.
4. Prepare the materials to carry out the game (cards, boards, pieces, etc.).
5. Pilot test several groups of students to make improvements.
6. Prepare the observation guides that allow the evaluation of the students' competences to facilitate the verification of the achievement of the objectives set and to be able to provide focused feedback.

The results obtained are, in addition to the game with its pieces, cards, board, instructions, etc., the competences assessment scales (planning and organization, negotiation and analysis were evaluated) and the cards with the job opportunities of the studies they are studying.

In addition to the acquisition of generic competences, specific knowledge is acquired about the possibilities of working in different professional areas with the activities that are carried out in each of them. In this way, it becomes a job orientation tool on professional opportunities, addressing the issues in a pleasant and collaborative way.

Keywords:

Professional competences, teaching methodologies, strategy games.