Abstract:

Preparing students for the dynamic demands of the future workforce and engaged citizenship is a pressing challenge in higher education. This paper introduces a learning design framework that integrates transdisciplinary learning, competency development, and experiential learning to address current educational gaps and anticipate emerging trends. The framework was developed through collaboration with stakeholders from academia, industry, and civil society. It is structured around detailed educational design templates that serve as practical tools for educators to co-design critical elements of future-relevant learning experiences. These templates facilitate the implementation of integrative pedagogical approaches, aligning academic curricula with the evolving needs of work and society.

The framework is anchored in three core, interconnected pedagogical approaches:
1) Transdisciplinary Learning: Encouraging learners to transcend disciplinary boundaries, and draw insights from multiple disciplines to tackle complex, real-world problems;
2) Integrative Learning: Equipping learners with the critical skills, knowledge, and mindset required for future success; and
3) Contextual Learning: Providing learners with opportunities to apply their acquired competencies in authentic, real-world contexts, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

The proposed learning design framework aims to equip students with the adaptive expertise, tangible skills, and real-world preparedness needed to thrive as engaged citizens and competitive professionals in the 21st century workforce. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on educational innovation and offers a blueprint for designing future-relevant learning experiences.

Keywords:

Higher education, learning design framework, future of work, curriculum development, transdisciplinary learning, experiential learning, future competencies, educational innovation.