Developing key competencies for sustainable development in higher education

TLDR

To date, little attention has been given to the circumstances in which the process of developing key competencies for sustainable development may take place. The paper considers how formal and informal learning, including interdisciplinarity and student self‑responsibility, can foster key competencies for sustainable development in higher education. An exploratory qualitative study using focus groups from formal and informal learning settings was conducted. Key competencies arise from cognitive and non‑cognitive dispositions and require multiple contexts, and integrating formal and informal learning within a new learning culture enhances competence development, highlighting practical aspects for higher education. The study notes that while formal and informal learning aspects were identified, their interdependencies remain unclear.

Abstract

Purpose To date, little attention has been given to the circumstances in which the process of developing key competencies for sustainable development may take place. The purpose of this paper is to consider, the possibilities both of formal and informal learning and their relationship to competence development within higher education. Design/methodology/approach An explorative, qualitative study based on focus groups was designed using different groups from formal and informal learning settings. Findings The development of key competencies is based both on cognitive and non‐cognitive dispositions and asks for multiple contexts. Through combining formal and informal learning settings within higher education – as part of a new learning culture – a variety of contexts can be given and competence development can be enhanced. Research limitations/implications While aspects of both formal and informal learning settings could be identified, the interdependencies between them remain elusive. Practical implications Based on the findings, some main aspects for acquiring competencies can be pointed out that may be crucial in higher education settings. Originality/value The paper analyses the implications for both formal and informal learning settings of new ways of developing key competencies within higher education. Particular attention is given to interdisciplinarity and students' self‐responsibility.