Abstract:

The development of soft skills in higher education has garnered significant attention in recent years, yet the methodologies and frameworks to effectively cultivate these skills remain underexplored and inconsistently applied. While there is a consensus on the importance of soft skills, the existing literature reveals a surprising paucity of rigorous research and critical analysis on the subject. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive narrative review of existing frameworks aimed at developing soft skills among students in higher education.

The review begins by identifying and categorizing the predominant frameworks currently employed in educational institutions. Each framework is then critically analyzed to assess its theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, and empirical support. Through this analysis, we aim to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, offering a clearer understanding of their efficacy and limitations.

In addition to mapping out the existing landscape, this paper proposes a research agenda to guide future investigations in the field of soft skills development. The agenda emphasizes the need for standardized measures, longitudinal studies, and the incorporation of diverse educational contexts to ensure broader applicability and relevance of findings.

Moreover, the paper provides practical guidelines for educators and policymakers to enhance the implementation of soft skills frameworks. These guidelines are designed to foster a more structured and reflective approach to soft skills education, ensuring that students are equipped with the essential competencies required in the modern workforce.

In conclusion, this critical review aims to consolidate and advance the discourse on soft skills development in higher education, offering valuable insights for both academic research and pedagogical practice.

Keywords:

Soft Skills, Higher Education, Frameworks, Critical Review, Best Practices, Research Agenda.