Bridging the Gap Between the Academe and Industry through Outcomes-Based Curriculum Development

Authors

  • Marissa Esperal
  • Mari Jane Lee
  • Ma. Elna Cosejo

Keywords:

academe. industry, outcomes-based curriculum

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are expected to deliver graduates with the technical skills and knowledge competencies that will enable them to maximize their career potential in an ever-changing and globalizing work environment. To bridge the gap between academe and industry, the study attempted to determine the highly in-demand technical skills and knowledge competencies needed in psychological practice for the next decade in CALABARZON. The ultimate purpose of the study is to come up with a curriculum for Psychology programs in SLSU which are responsive to the needs and demands of the work setting. Two perspectives were considered in approaching the problem: the perspective of 44 employers or industry partners and the perspective of 120 employees who are graduates from the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Southern Luzon State University. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering data. Quantitative data were analyzed through the use of weighted mean and Mann-Whitney U while qualitative data was analyzed based on the model of psychological competencies of the IAAP and the IUPsyS.Findings revealed that majority (21 or 52.5%) of the 40 identified as very relevant competencies fall within Cluster A which consists of psychological knowledge and skills underpinning the core competencies; ten (25%) of the identified skills and competencies fall within Cluster C which consists of professional activities competencies and nine (22.5%) fall within Cluster B which consists of professional behavior competencies. The top five competencies in the list consists Encourage good relations and motivations among personnel (W=2.82); Facilitate professional trainings and career development (W=2.72); Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino (2.70); and Recognize professional, social and ethical responsibility (both with WM=2.70); Conduct interviews, and Communicate well with clients (both with WM=2.67); It was concluded that psychological knowledge and skills competencies are among the top competencies needed in psychological practice based on the perception of both groups of respondents. However, on top of psychological knowledge and skills are professional behavior competencies which also play an important role in the industry. It was noted that the skills and competencies being developed in the AB Psychology curriculum in SLSU are highly relevant and responsive to the needs of the industry

Published

2019-12-18