Acquiring Practical and Soft Skills Through Field Work among Science Students in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Practical and soft skills are the components that have significant impact on the development of outstanding human capital. This study aims to examine the mastery level of practical and soft skills. Practical skills include the ability of students to carry out work in the field, the ability of students to handle work equipment and on the student's manipulative skills. While soft skills involve student’s collaborative and communication skills. 130 science students at a higher education institution participated in this study. Through the use of a questionnaire-based survey method, this study is quantitative. Findings showed practical skills that include the ability of students to carry out field work are at a moderate level, while the level is high for the student's ability to handle work equipment and on the student's manipulative skills. The level of soft skills, which include collaborative and communication skills, is high. One of the implications is to continue field work in ensuring the developing of human capital among students. It is also advised to do further study on various skills in accordance with their relevance to help students prepare for the demands of the profession.