Factors of transforming knowledge, attitudes, and skills of the undergraduates of the Faculty of Arts in Sri Lankan Universities; A case from the Faculty of Social Sciences in the University of Kelaniya

Abstract

A large number of students are recruited to the faculties of arts in the state university of Sri Lanka. The Faculty of Social Science of the University of Kelaniya also has a large number of undergraduate compared to other faculties. The question is that arises when the graduate who follows a degree in Arts has a competent level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become a perfect graduate to the current job market and social wellbeing. It is also questionable whether the graduate has a significant role in Sri Lanka at present. The objective of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the development of the students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes during the four year of study in the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Kelaniya. The final year undergraduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences were selected for this because they have already spent four years in the university. The final year students who are all studying in 18 streams of the 12 Departments of Social Sciences were selected as the sample. Accordingly, the number of final year undergraduates in the Faculty of Social Sciences was 833. Accordingly, the questionnaires were given to the selected students under the sampling method, representing 10% of all the fields of study. Analyzing the data and finally drawing into conclusions, it was revealed that the use of the internet has been a major contributor to knowledge transformation. Being able to associate with different people has transformed attitudes. The majority were willing to be a public sector employer. There has been a significant improvement in presentation skills and no significant improvement in other skills.