Development of soft skills in university students: an analysis from a pedagogical, psychological, and technological perspective. A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62697/rmiie.v5i1.295Keywords:
Higher Education, competencies, social skills, educational technologyAbstract
The development of soft skills has become a strategic priority in contemporary higher education due to its direct impact on employability and effective professional performance. This study aimed to analyze the development of soft skills in university students from pedagogical, psychological, and technological perspectives through a systematic review of recent scientific literature. The methodology followed the PRISMA protocol and considered publications from 2020 to 2025 indexed in recognized databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and Latindex Catalog 2.0, including quantitative studies, mixed-methods research, and systematic reviews conducted in diverse geographical contexts. The fifteen selected articles were assessed and synthesized using a structured narrative analysis organized by analytical dimensions. The results reveal a broad consensus regarding the multidimensional nature of soft skills development in higher education. From the pedagogical perspective, the literature highlights the effectiveness of active, collaborative, and experiential methodologies in fostering skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving. The psychological approach emphasizes the mediating role of empathy, resilience, and motivation in learning processes and personal development. From a technological standpoint, the findings indicate that the intentional integration of digital tools, including serious games and virtual learning environments, enhances the development of soft skills when coherently aligned with pedagogical design. In conclusion, the reviewed evidence underscores the need for an integrated approach that combines active pedagogical strategies, psychological foundations, and the strategic use of technology, while also pointing to the importance of future research employing more robust methodological designs and longitudinal assessments.
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