THE IMPACT OF FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Education

This research investigates the impact of formative assessment on the development of soft skills, with a particular focus on oral presentation ability among students. In the context of a university reform that highlights the significance of soft skills, it is essential to identify effective teaching and assessment methods to nurture these transversal skills, which are vital for both academic and professional success. The study was conducted with a representative sample of master’s level students at the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat, Morocco. Employing an experimental design based on Salomon's approach, the research compared three groups: a control group 1 (with pretest), an experimental group, and control group 2 (without pretest). The primary criteria for analysis revolved around the oral presentation ability, including aspects such as the preparation of support, relevance of content, and the quality of oral presentation. The results revealed that in cases where no specific treatment was applied, the outcomes were similar between control group 1 (with pretest) and control group 2 (without pretest). However, the experimental group exhibited significant progress in the development of their oral presentation abilities, a finding further supported by inter-group and intra-group verifications. In conclusion, formative assessment emerges as a fundamental factor in fostering transversal competence concerning oral presentation. The study strongly advocates for the systematic implementation of this approach, particularly when enhancing oral presentation skills within the framework of the national university reform. By recognizing the value of formative assessment, educational institutions can better prepare students for the challenges of the academic and professional world by nurturing these essential soft skills.

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