SAN
DIEGO, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With tuition
and loan repayments at historic highs, many college graduates are
dismayed to learn they do not have the skills required for
workplace success.
"Universities and continuing education must find a way to meet
the nation's shifting needs for higher education to match the needs
of employers and employees," asserts Edward
Abeyta, PhD, associate dean with UC San Diego Division of
Extended Studies, author of Reinventing Lifelong Learning: The
Coming Renaissance of Continuing Education and Community
Outreach (2024, Indie Books International).
"We must move beyond models solely based on traditional student
populations and conventional pathways to higher education," adds
Abeyta.
In his book, Abeyta makes the case that one way is to teach the
12 skills necessary for workplace success.
"Post-secondary education credentials continue to be under
scrutiny by employers," says Abeyta, "who find recent graduates do
not have the workforce-readiness skills to make an impact."
Most universities are being called upon to focus on relevance
due to the perceived lack of value of traditional degrees.
Abeyta's book cites research from a Gallup poll that uncovered
that only 14 percent of Americans and 11 percent of industry
leaders strongly believe that college graduates have the necessary
skills and competencies to succeed in the workplace.
To promote student development, Abeyta has chosen the following
12 competencies to be the focus in addressing the disconnect
between academia and industry:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Research ability
- Oral, written, and digital communication
- Teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration
- Understanding global context
- Leadership
- Professionalism and integrity
- Self-reflection
- Career development
- Digital information fluency
- Civic engagement and social responsibility
- Innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
Abeyta confirms that: "Many institutions have divisions on their
campuses that can help create internal pushes for change: their
nontraditional divisions. Termed as continuing education,
extension, professional studies, and more, these divisions serve
nontraditional audiences and tend to be on the leading edge of
changes in the post-secondary space."
These areas of study offer the opportunity to increase
performance in the twelve competencies or to learn a trade or
technical skill that increases workforce readiness.
Abeyta's lifelong work to empower others to workplace success
extends beyond the classroom. The UC Office of the President and
the California Office of the Governor have recognized him for his
involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives and as a
leader in donor stewardship.
Abeyta states, "Many postsecondary institutions are exploring a
co-curricular record (CCR). A CCR is a method of capturing student
achievements in opportunities beyond the classroom, including a
brief description of the skills developed on an official
record."
The CCR helps students become aware of the competencies and
skills they have developed and serves to remind individuals that
they must constantly enhance and hone their skills to remain
relevant in the workforce.
Many economists believe lifelong learning is critical to
creating and sustaining a competitive workforce. In the wake of the
pandemic, much like the aftermath of the bubonic plague and World
War II, Abeyta believes we are presented with a unique opportunity
for profound transformation and innovation.
This disruption is not just a crisis but a potential catalyst
for a new era in education. History has proven that such crises can
serve as catalysts for renaissances in art, science, and education,
urging us to embrace our potential as pioneers of a new era.
Abeyta says, "People are put into a circumstance both out of
their control and far beyond what they could have possibly imagined
during a Renaissance…Lifelong learning has never been more
important to build the life you want and keep skills and knowledge
relevant within and beyond your chosen profession."
Universities must help to ensure that alumni remain competitive
in the job market and in their contributions to the community by
offering opportunities for individuals to continue their education
and professional development. Abeyta believes this focus begins
with pre-collegiate outreach through the concept of STEAM (science,
technology, engineering, arts, and math) and with left-brain (STEM)
and right-brain (arts) collaboration.
Saddling students with crushing college loan debt undermines the
American dream; the ability to achieve it in today's world is an
economic and workplace problem requiring a bridge between education
and industry.
About Indie Book International
Indie Books International (Indie Books International.) serves as
an independent publishing alternative for experts and authorities
to help create impact and influence.
Contact
Henry DeVries
380119@email4pr.com
619-540-3031
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SOURCE Edward Abeyta