Transforming Education for the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper reports on a study examining how well the curriculum of a bachelor’s program at a Moroccan university equips students with 21st-century skills to enhance employability. A mixed-method approach was used, combining curriculum evaluation, questionnaires and interviews with both students and faculty. The curriculum evaluation reviewed course content for the inclusion of key skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy. The questionnaires gauged students' perceptions of their preparedness for the job market, while semi-structured interviews explored faculty perspectives on the curriculum's effectiveness in developing employability skills. Results from the curriculum evaluation revealed that most courses lacked alignment with 21st-century skills. Questionnaire data showed that a majority of students felt unprepared for the job market. In contrast, faculty interviews indicated that instructors believed their courses offered sufficient skill development, attributing students' perceived lack of readiness to poor attendance and absenteeism.The study concludes that more interactive, engaging instruction is necessary, and students should be trained in metacognitive skills such as self-motivation and responsibility to foster lifelong learning and resilience. The findings also emphasize the urgent need for a curriculum revamp to integrate 21st-century skills, aligning with the evolving demands of the job market.