Transversais

Transversais is the plural form of transversal in Portuguese and can refer to concepts that cross or cut across others. The term is used in mathematics to describe lines that intersect two or more other lines, and in education and public policy to denote cross-cutting themes or skills that are integrated across disciplines.

In geometry, a transversal is a line that intersects two or more lines in a plane. When the lines intersect, a set of angle relationships arises; for example, if the lines are parallel, corresponding angles are equal and alternate interior angles are equal. The study of transversals covers various configurations and helps establish properties of parallel lines.

In education, competencias transversais or temáticas transversais refer to skills and themes that are taught across subjects rather than confined to a single discipline. Common transversal competencies include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, information literacy, digital literacy, adaptability, and lifelong learning. These are intended to support students’ ability to apply knowledge in diverse contexts.

In organizational and policy contexts, transversal concerns are cross-cutting issues addressed across departments, such as sustainability, ethics, data privacy, and inclusion. The concept emphasizes integrating these concerns into planning and execution rather than treating them as isolated topics.