Abstract:

The orthodoxy of theoretical teaching and learning methodology in our Higher Education systems has created a significant gap in industrial expectation of employing individuals who are creative and work ready. The existence of this gap that has been decried by industry engenders a vital need to merge the orthodoxy of classroom teaching and the practical aspects of learning to produce analytical and thoughtful practitioners. This conceptual paper depicts the innovative epistemology of using an Immersion framework which encompasses experiential student-oriented learning in Higher Education as the tool to bridge this gap. This framework emphasises on day to day learning by immersing students into industrial requirement, practices and challenges from the commencement of their studies. The implication of such a learning approach is that it should enable the generation of employable graduates with entrepreneurial skills.

The Immersion Methodology approach modelled in Berjaya University College of Hospitality specifically caters for the Hospitality industry as a whole. A challenging, competitive, and continuously changing environment which surrounds the field of hospitality management requires academia to be inspire and facilitate student ownership of learning experiences. Teaching in the field of hospitality management cannot but involve student-centred learning approaches. Given the discrepancies that exist between industry expectations and current curriculum and learning pedagogy, we propose the use of the Immersion Methodology in higher education teaching and learning. This innovative methodology proposes a holistic approach that integrates academic knowledge, industrial experiences and community involvement.

This paper concludes that higher education learning should evolve from the monotonous and rote form of learning to one that is innovatively aligned with industry expectations of graduate performance. Since there are no absolutes in terms of what is the best approach in teaching-learning methodologies to develop higher education graduates, a number of key enablers were identified as necessary for higher education to be able to embark on the successful application of the Immersion Methodology.

Keywords:

Immersion methodology, experiential learning, employability, academic knowledge, higher education learning, hospitality management.