Abstract:

Despite the efforts made by select higher education institutions to challenge traditional systems and promote innovative teaching and learning methods, the majority of university systems continue to face significant challenges. These challenges hinder their ability to adequately equip students with the necessary skills to effectively compete in today's dynamic global society. This research paper examines the disconnection between higher education curricula and the evolving demands of the contemporary job market and global citizenship. Employing a mixed-methods approach, which includes a survey and a co-creation workshop involving participants from academia, the private and public sectors, as well as civil society, the study uncovers the shortcomings of existing educational models and puts forth innovative pedagogical strategies to address these deficiencies. This study emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinary learning, character development, and the integration of real-world experiences into academic curricula. It also provides a comprehensive set of competency that encompasses critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, leadership, and adaptability to prepare students for global citizenship and future-of-work. Finally, the paper introduces innovative education design templates that can serve as instruments for future research and instructional design. These templates advocate for an integrative pedagogy approach in higher education to ensure that graduates acquire the necessary competencies to thrive in a rapidly changing world, and empower them to excel in their careers and contribute to addressing complex global challenges. The findings and recommendations offer insights for educators, policymakers, and educational institutions seeking to reform higher education to meet the evolving needs of the future of work and global citizenship.

Keywords:

Higher education, future of work, curriculum alignment, future competencies, future skills, transdisciplinary learning, lifelong learning, experiential learning, instructional design.