Transversal skills aid students in work, democratic participation: academic

Jonna Kangas, adjunct professor at the University of Helsinki, Finland, has called for development of transversal competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible analysis of information among young learners that prepare them for work and for democratic participation and lifelong adaptability, thereby helping them become responsible members of society.

Prof. Kangas was speaking on ‘Transforming Education and Skills’ as part of the ‘Vision 2031’ international conference on development and democracy in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (February 16, 2026).

These transversal competencies were not just information to memorise or know, but also tools for how to interact with each other, how to treat and care for environment, and how to plan the future, Prof. Kangas said.

Development and transfer of competencies began with teachers, Prof. Kangas said. Teachers modelled how students thought, collaborate, question, problem solve, and use digital tools responsibly, she reminded. When teachers developed transversal competencies, practised reflective thinking, engaged in collaborations, exercised professional judgment, and embraced lifelong learning, these became part of school’s learning culture, she pointed out.

Challenges

A.K. Shiva Kumar, former director of the International Centre for Human Development, UNICEF, cautioned that Kerala’s school education system, once a global exemplar of literacy, gender parity and universal enrolment, now faced emerging challenges as the State confronted rising youth unemployment and a rapidly changing labour market. Dr. Kumar said the State’s first education transition, which emphasised access and inclusion, had delivered extraordinary social and economic gains. Investments in universal schooling, women’s empowerment and child health created a virtuous cycle of learning, productivity and social progress. However, the system was designed for a 20th-century world of stable occupations and linear career paths. “Today, artificial intelligence, automation and platform-based economies are transforming the nature of work. This has left many routine cognitive and manual tasks vulnerable while elevating the importance of creativity, judgment and adaptability,” he said.

He pointed out that Kerala’s challenge was no longer about inclusion alone, but also about quality and relevance. Highlighting the stark labour market reality, he said nearly 30% of youth aged 15 to 29 were unemployed (according to official statistics in 2023-24), compared to the national average of 10%. The unemployment rate among young women stood at 47%, while it was 19% in the case of men. The national averages in these parameters were 11% and 9% respectively.

The mismatch reflected a deeper systemic issue of schools producing qualifications that no longer aligned with the evolving economy. Under such circumstances, he called for reforms that moved education beyond rote learning to focus on capabilities such as critical thinking, ethical judgment and career adaptability. Schools should prepare students for non-linear careers in sectors, including digital services, green jobs, health care and tourism, he said.

Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty and Minister for Higher Education R. Bindu; Sonajharia Minz, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Rajan Gurukkal, vice-chairman, Kerala State Higher Education Council; Gopinath Ravindran, former Vice-Chancellor, Kannur University; and C. Ramakrishnan, coordinator of the State government’s Vidyakiranam project; spoke.