Beyond the lecture hall: fostering soft skills in Malaysian university students through a democratic classroom

Hamzah, Lina Mursyidah and Majid, Sheikha and Mohd Yusoff, Norhayati and Hussien, Suhailah (2025) Beyond the lecture hall: fostering soft skills in Malaysian university students through a democratic classroom. Asian Journal of University Education, 21 (1). pp. 330-344. ISSN 1823-7797 E-ISSN 2600-9749

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate how democratic classrooms can help to foster students' soft skills. The study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically adopting a case study technique. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with six Malaysian university students. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. The results indicate that a democratic classroom has the ability to enhance students' soft skills. Moreover, it can also improve students' critical thinking skills. This study suggests that instructors should ensure that the learning environment significantly influences students' soft skills. The findings of this study contribute towards the body of knowledge relating to the promotion of more democratic teaching and learning in the context of Malaysian higher education.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Critical Thinking, Democratic Classroom, Self- Enhancement, University Education
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB1025 Teaching (principles and practices) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Social Foundations & Educational Leadership Kulliyyah of Education
Depositing User:	Dr Suhailah Hussien
Date Deposited:	30 Dec 2025 14:49
Last Modified:	30 Dec 2025 14:49
Queue Number:	2025-12-Q1283
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126392

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