Open Journal Systems

Integrating Gen Z perspectives in industry-aligned curriculum design

Abdel J. Amilhamja

Article ID: 3197
Vol 10, Issue 1, 2025, Article identifier:

VIEWS - 55 (Abstract) 21 (PDF)

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Generation Z (Gen Z) perspectives in designing industry-aligned curricula that are both relevant and future-ready. The research aims to identify the essential insights and values that Gen Z graduates contribute to curriculum development and to understand how their unique learning preferences, skills, and expectations shape the design of educational content. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing one-on-one interviews with college graduates aged 23-27 who are currently employed. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data obtained from purposive sampling. Participants were asked about their experiences with current educational curricula, the alignment of their skills with industry needs, and their views on how technology influences learning and curriculum expectations. The findings highlight the critical role of adapting curricula to include Gen Z’s preferences and skills, ensuring that future programs remain aligned with industry demands and prepare students for success in the evolving job market.


Keywords

Gen Z; perspectives; industry-aligned; curriculum design; integration

Full Text:

PDF



References

1. Yalçın-İncik, E., & İncik, T. (2022). Generation Z students’ views on technology in education: What they want what they get. Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, 10(2), 109-124. http://dx.doi.org/10.52380/mojet.2022.10.2.275

2. Mărginean, Alina. (2021). Gen Z Perceptions and Expectations upon Entering the Workforce. European Review Of Applied Sociology. 14. 20-30. 10.1515/eras-2021-0003.

3. Shofiyyah, N.A., Komarudin, T.S., Muharam, A., Juita, D. R (2024) Characteristics of Generation Z and Its Impact on Education: Challenges and Opportunities. ISSN: 2614-6754 (print) ISSN: 2614-3097(online)

4. Hastini, L. Y., Fahmi, R., & Lukito, H. (2020). Apakah Pembelajaran Menggunakan Teknologi Dapat Meningkatkan Literasi Manusia pada Generasi Z di Indonesia? Jurnal Manajemen Informatika (JAMIKA), 10(1), 12–28. https://doi.org/10.34010/jamika.v10i1.2678

5. Pervaiz Akhtar, Muhammad Moazzam, Aniqa Ashraf, Muhammad Naveed Khan, The interdisciplinary curriculum alignment to enhance graduates’ employability and universities’ sustainability,The International Journal of Management Education, Volume 22, Issue 3,2024,101037, ISSN 1472-8117, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijme.2024.101037.

6. Isa, F.M., Sharaf, M.A.,Noor, S., Ahmdon, M.A.S (2024) Curriculum, Work Readiness, and Employability in Malaysian Higher Education: Unpacking the Nexus. https://doi.org/10.17576/akad-2023-9401-19

7. Deloitte (2023) More Filipino Millennials and Gen Zs taking on side gigs, reporting feeling burned out – Deloitte study. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/ph/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/2023-millennial-survey.html

8. Jayatissa, Dimani. (2023). Generation Z – A New Lifeline: A Systematic Literature Review. Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities. 3. 179-186. 10.4038/sljssh.v3i2.110.

9. Gaweł, M. Giovannetti, G. Li Pomi, M. Stefańska, I. Olejnik, B. Kulaga, et al. Stakeholder-centered development of new curriculum content in higher education: A case study in creating a course on the green and digital transformation of SMEs Studies in Higher Education (2023), pp. 1-20, 10.1080/03075079.2023.2293923

10. K.F. Yuen, L. Tan, H.S. Loh Core competencies for maritime business educators in the digital era Frontiers in Psychology, 13 (2022), Article 915980, 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915980

11. P.A. Manaf Inter-organizational alliance in improving the quality of learning through academic and industry alignment Cometra Education, 1 (1) (2021)

12. W.K. Zimmer, P. Keiper Redesigning curriculum at the higher education level: Challenges and successes within a sport management program Education Action Research, 29 (2) (2021), pp. 276-291

13. Ronald Goseco (2024) Recruiting Gen Z. Retrieved from https://finex.org.ph/2024/02/23/recruiting-gen-z/

14. Barhate, Bhagyashree & Dirani, Khalil. (2021). Career aspirations of generation Z: a systematic literature review. European Journal of Training and Development. 10.1108/EJTD-07-2020-0124.

15. Perilus, B. (2020), “Engaging four generations in the workplace: a single case study”, Doctoral Dissertation, University of Phoenix, ProQuest Number: 28027345

16. Seibert SA. Problem-based learning: A strategy to foster generation Z’s critical thinking and perseverance. Teach Learn Nurs. 2021 Jan;16(1):85-88. Doi: 10.1016/j.teln.2020.09.002. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 33013248; PMCID: PMC7522743.

17. Chavez, J.V. (2022). Narratives of Bilingual Parents on the Real-Life Use of English Language: Materials for English Language Teaching Curriculum. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 13. Number3. September 2022 Pp.325-338 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no3.21

18. Aguirre, J. K. C., Vicente, M. B., Chavez, J. V., Francisco, M. D., Mondido, J. G. O. O., & Visitacion, J. S. (2023). Content Analysis of Consumer Reviews on Preferred Characteristics of Accommodation Products. Journalof Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 33, 4264-4286.

19. Calaro, M. F, Vincente, M. B, Chavez, J. V, Reyes, M. J. D, Delantar, S, Jorolan, A, … & Torres, J. (2023).Marketing Campaigns Leading to purchase of Accommodation Products: A Content Analysis. Journal ofNamibian Studies: History Politics Culture, 33, 4221-4236

20. Cuilan JT., Chavez JV., Soliva KJG., et.al. 2024. Verbal and non-verbal communication patterns of persuasive selling among live online sellers. Environment and Social Psychology 2024; 9(8): 2519. Doi: 10.59429/esp.v9i8.2519

21. Leon AJTD, Jumalon RL, Chavez JV, et al. Analysis on the implementation of inclusive classroom: Perception on compliances and obstructions of selected public-school teachers. Environment and Social Psychology. 2024; 9(9): 2537. Doi: 10.59429/esp.v9i9.253 iinclusive education; teacher preparedness; professional development; student diversity

22. Savellon KIS, Asiri MS, Chavez JV. 2024. Public speaking woes of academic leaders: resources and alternative ways to improve speaking with Audience. Environment and Social Psychology 2024; 9(9): 2871. Doi: 10.59429/esp.v9i9.2871

23. Chavez, J.V. (2023). Assessing Online Academic Integrity and Humanized Teaching in Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University. Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences. 19(1): 9-17.

24. Lochmiller LR (2021). Conducting a thematic analysis with qualitative data. The Qualitative Report 26(6): 2029–2044. Doi: 10.46743/2160-3715/2021.5008

25. Jonker, H., März, V., & Voogt, J. (2020). Curriculum flexibility in a blended curriculum. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 36(1), 68-84. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.4926

26. Natarajan, Sundar & ragavan, srinivasa. (2023). Flexibility in Curriculum Design and Opportunities in National Education Policy 2020.

27. Diane Galbraith & Sunita Mondal (2020) The Potential Power of Internships and The Impact on Career Preparation. Research in Higher Education Journal Volume 38

28. Akintayo, Olateju & Eden, Chima & Ayeni, Oyebola & Onyebuchi, Nneamaka. (2024). Inclusive curriculum design: Meeting the diverse needs of students for social improvement. International Journal of Frontiers in Science and Technology Research. 6. 050-059. 10.53294/ijfstr.2024.6.2.0037.

29. Szymkowiak, Andrzej & Melovic, Boban & Dabic, Marina & Jeganathan, Kishokanth & Singh, Gagandeep. (2021). Information technology and Gen Z: The role of teachers, the internet, and technology in the education of young people. Technology in Society. 65. 101565. 10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101565.

30. Yaodum, Thaniya & Mahapoonyanont, Natcha & Jaidumrong, Nutchanat & Songsung, Nuttapong & Gudmundsson, Magnus. (2023). EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS: WHY, WHAT, AND HOW?.

31. Allen, K.A., Slaten, C.D., Arslan, G., Roffey, S., Craig, H., & Vella-Brodrick, D.A. (2021). School Belonging: The importance of student and teacher relationships. In The Palgrave handbook of positive education (pp. 525-550). Cham: Springer International Publishing

32. Michaela Poláková, Juliet Horváthová Suleimanová, Peter Madzík, Lukáš Copuš, Ivana Molnárová, Jana Polednová, Soft skills and their importance in the labour market under the conditions of Industry 5.0, Heliyon,Volume 9, Issue 8, 2023, e18670, ISSN 2405-8440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18670

33. Catarina Veríssimo, Leandro Pereira, António Fernandes, Raquel Martinho, Complex problem solving as a source of competitive advantage, Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity,Volume 10, Issue 2,2024,100258,ISSN 2199-8531, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100258.

34. Forum, 2020 W.E. Forum Future Jobs Rep. 2020 (2020)

35. Chanda, Thelma & Sain, Zohaib & Shogbesan, Yusuf & Phiri, Edwin & Akpan, Wisdom. (2024). Digital Literacy in Education: Preparing Students for the Future Workforce. International Journal of Research. 11. 327-344. 10.5281/ZENODO.13347718.

36. Anjum, S. Impact of internship programs on professional and personal development of business students: a case study from Pakistan. Futur Bus J 6, 2 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-019-0007-3

37. Benati, Kelly & Lindsay, Sophie & Fischer, Juan. (2021). Applying theory in practice: views of graduating business students. Education + Training. Ahead-of-print. 10.1108/ET-07-2020-0197.

38. John A. Huss (2023). Gen Z Students Are Filling Our Online Classrooms: Do Our Teaching Methods Need a Rebootl. InSight: A Journal of Scholarly Teaching

39. Rafiq, Shahid & Iqbal, Saleem & Afzal, Dr. (2024). The Impact of Digital Tools and Online Learning Platforms on Higher Education Learning Outcomes.

40. Shemshack, A., Spector, J.M. A systematic literature review of personalized learning terms. Smart Learn. Environ. 7, 33 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00140-9

41. Abid Haleem, Mohd Javaid, Mohd Asim Qadri, Rajiv Suman, Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review, Sustainable Operations and Computers,Volume 3, 2022,Pages 275-285,ISSN 2666-4127, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

42. Kamran, Farrukh & Kanwal, Ayesha & Afzal, Dr & Rafiq, Shahid. (2023). Impact of Interactive Teaching Methods on Students Learning Outcomes at University level. 7. 86-102.

43. Rafiq, S., Afzal, A., & Kamran, F. (2022). Impact of School Environment on Students’ Academic Achievements at the University Level. VFAST Transactions on Education and Social Sciences 10(4), 19-30.

44. Timotheou, S., Miliou, O., Dimitriadis, Y. et al. Impacts of digital technologies on education and factors influencing schools’ digital capacity and transformation: A literature review. Educ Inf Technol 28, 6695–6726 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11431-8

45. Lamri J, Lubart T. Reconciling Hard Skills and Soft Skills in a Common Framework: The Generic Skills Component Approach. Journal of Intelligence. 2023; 11(6):107. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11060107

46. Succi, Chiara, and Magali Canovi. 2020. Soft skills to enhance graduate employability: Comparing students and employers’ perceptions. Studies in Higher Education 45: 1834–47.

47. Arulsamy, A & Singh, Indira & Kumar, Senthil & Jetal, Dr & Panchal, Jetal & Bajaj, Mr. (2023). Employee Training and Development Enhancing Employee Performance -A Study. 16. 406.

48. Dimitriadou, E., Lanitis, A. A critical evaluation, challenges, and future perspectives of using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in smart classrooms. Smart Learn. Environ. 10, 12 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00231-3

49. By Stijn Baert, Brecht Neyt, Thomas Siedler, Ilse Tobback, Dieter Verhaest, Student internships and employment opportunities after graduation: A field experiment, Economics of Education Review,Volume 83,2021,102141,ISSN 0272-7757, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2021.102141

50. S. Margaryan, N. Saniter, M. Schumann, T. SiedlerDo internships pay off? The effects of student internships on earnings Journal of Human Resources (2020), 10.3368/jhr.57.4.0418-9460R2

51. Wu S. (2024). Application of multimedia technology to innovative vocational education on learning satisfaction in China. PloS one, 19(2), e0298861. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298861 (Retraction published PLoS One. 2024 Sep 5;19(9):e0310195. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310195)

52. Duong Huu Tong, Bui Phuong Uyen, Lu Kim Ngan, The effectiveness of blended learning on students’ academic achievement, self-study skills and learning attitudes: A quasi-experiment study in teaching the conventions for coordinates in the plane, Heliyon, Volume 8, Issue 12,2022,e12657,ISSN 2405-8440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12657

53. T. Adiguzel, T. Kamit, B. Ertas. Teaching and learning experiences with enhanced books in engineering math and science courses. Contemporary Educational Technology, 11 (2) (2020), pp. 143-158

54. I.M. Lazar, G. Panisoara, I.O. Panisoara Digital technology adoption scale in the blended learning context in higher education: development, validation and testing of a specific tool. PLoS ONE, 15 (7) (2020), Article e0235957

55. THOMAS, JORLY, “EVALUATION OF PERSONALIZED LEARNING” (2023). Education Theses and Dissertations. Paper 7. http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4262

56. Susan Krische, Alexandra Mislin,The impact of financial literacy on negotiation behavior,Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics,Volume 87, 2020,101545, ISSN 2214-8043, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socec.2020.101545.

57. Coşanay, G, Karalı, Y. (2022). Examination of classroom teachers’ 21st century teaching skills. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET), 9(1), 432-448

58. Eslit, Edgar. (2023). 21st Century Teaching: Updates, Challenges, and Best Practices. 10.13140/RG.2.2.21864.65284.


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i1.3197
(55 Abstract Views, 21 PDF Downloads)

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Abdel J. Amilhamja

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.