Developing Future-Ready Science College Curricula Fostering Competencies for Life and Work

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the ability of the programs at the Faculty of Science at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) in developing the competencies necessary for practical life in the 21st century. This was assessed from the perspective of the faculty members and aimed to provide recommendations for the improvement of the curriculum and plans to enhance these competencies. The study adopted an analytical-descriptive approach, which involved analyzing existing frameworks and literature to determine the key principles of competency-based learning and the necessary competencies and skills for life and work in the 21st century. A questionnaire was designed and administered to the faculty members to gauge the availability of these principles and competencies in the curricula of the programs at the Faculty of Science. The results of the study revealed that the competencies of the students in the Faculty of Science were moderate for most competencies and that the curriculum and learning process were not in line with the principles of competency-based learning. This was noted by the faculty members, who stated that their consistency with these principles was moderate. Based on the results of the study, the main recommendation is for the curricula and plans for the programs at the Faculty of Science to be updated to better align with the principles of competency-based learning. This would help to ensure that the graduates are equipped with the necessary competencies and skills to meet the challenges of life and work in the 21st century.

Received: 20 February 2023 / Accepted: 16 April 2023 / Published: 5 May 2023