21st Century Skills and the Engineer : Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Teamwork at Meti, University of Port Harcourt

This paper reports on postgraduate engineering students’ perceptions of teamwork in Nigeria. Using a mix methodology (both quantitative and qualitative techniques), findings, like previous studies, were indicative of the fact that postgraduate students too can acquire certain generic skills [informational skills, problem solving skills, collaborative (people) skills] required of the modern day scientist and engineer to function effectively both in the work place and outside the work environment. This is besides deriving academic benefits (better comprehension and improved performance) and social benefits from teamwork. Participants expressed their desire to participate in future teamwork. As society and employers continuous to place premium on 21st century skills, it is advocated that educators should devise pedagogical tools to facilitate the development of teaming skills. Further research is suggested to cover a cross-section of faculties and multiple universities