Competencies in Higher Education: Identifying and Selecting Important Competencies Based on Graduates & Professionals in Food Technology

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Competencies in Higher Education: Identifying and Selecting Important Competencies Based on Graduates & Professionals in Food Technology
Language: English
Authors: Melanie van Berkum (ORCID 0000-0003-1764-098X), Julia Diederen (ORCID 0000-0002-4025-887X), Carla A. P. Buijsse (ORCID 0000-0002-1499-7345), Remko M. Boom (ORCID 0000-0003-2877-4166), Perry J. den Brok (ORCID 0000-0002-4945-763X)
Source: European Journal of Engineering Education. 2024 49(3):434-453.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Food, Food Standards, Food Processing Occupations, Technological Advancement, Social Change, Engineering Education, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Competency Based Education, Undergraduate Study, STEM Education, College Graduates, Employers, Employer Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Curriculum Development
Geographic Terms: Netherlands
DOI: 10.1080/03043797.2023.2245768
ISSN: 0304-3797
1469-5898
Abstract: Students in higher engineering education should develop competencies to be prepared for their future professional careers. However, in the field of food technology it is not clear what set of competencies is most relevant. This paper created a comprehensive list of competencies for food technologists by combining both domain-specific and general literature (n = 4), and policy documents (n = 6). This list was used to establish the relative importance of its elements and map opportunities for optimal curricular improvement at Wageningen University. Data were collected via a survey and interviews with graduates and professionals. A comparison of the perceived importance of competencies versus the perceived opportunities for learning showed that "analytical thinking, critical thinking, problem solving" and "decision making" needed more attention in the study curriculum. The comprehensiveness of the list was assessed by pilot testing with respondents. The list and method show potential for other disciplines to identify and select important competencies.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1424628
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Students in higher engineering education should develop competencies to be prepared for their future professional careers. However, in the field of food technology it is not clear what set of competencies is most relevant. This paper created a comprehensive list of competencies for food technologists by combining both domain-specific and general literature (n = 4), and policy documents (n = 6). This list was used to establish the relative importance of its elements and map opportunities for optimal curricular improvement at Wageningen University. Data were collected via a survey and interviews with graduates and professionals. A comparison of the perceived importance of competencies versus the perceived opportunities for learning showed that "analytical thinking, critical thinking, problem solving" and "decision making" needed more attention in the study curriculum. The comprehensiveness of the list was assessed by pilot testing with respondents. The list and method show potential for other disciplines to identify and select important competencies.
ISSN:0304-3797
1469-5898
DOI:10.1080/03043797.2023.2245768