Managing Employability Challenges among Graduates: The Role of Curricula Reforms
Gabriel M. Koboli *
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Tanzania.
Coletha C. Ngirwa
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Tanzania.
Patrick Manyengo
Faculty of Education, Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examined how curricula reforms address employability challenges among graduates in Tanzania. A mixed method approach was used and data was collected through questionnaires and interviews from 243 participants. The research found that curricula reforms significantly enhance employability skills of graduates. It also showed that curricula reforms deal with employability challenges by ensuring that education is relevant to the needs of the labour market, respond to 21st century demands and expectations, give relevant skills, and promote global competences. Thus, it was concluded that effective needs assessment is the basis for designing curricula reforms to align educational practices with the real job market requirements. Regular curricula reforms are recommended to ensure relevance and quality, adapting to changing demands and priorities of the nation and the labour market. The study suggests the establishment of a competence framework that ensures consistent alignment of education with relevant employability skills.
Keywords: Curriculum, curriculum reform, employability, skills, job market