DIVERSIFICATION OF GENERAL STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR LEARNERS’ COMPETENCE AND PERFORMANCE IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Specialisation without adequate general knowledge of the mechanism and dynamism of realities narrows human abilities. This is why general studies in higher education are established to avail learners in diverse fields with knowledge, practical know-how, skills and approaches necessary to face human tasks. As such, general studies are meant to promote students’ versatility, competence and performance. The present incompetence and poor performance among many graduates within their specialised work environment exposes among other factors the inadequacy of general studies in higher education. This paper analytically investigates the present state of general studies in higher education. It proposes diversification of general studies as a paradigm shift for learners’ competence and performance in the work environment. As such, this paper opts for true reflection of “general studies” in higher education, through its expansion to accommodate more disciplines and courses. Indeed, the study finds that general studies in global higher education are largely neglected. This deprives many countries of competent workforce; replete with necessary skills, knowledge and approaches that enhance effective practice in the work environment. The study therefore concludes that diversification of general studies education has the potential to expose learners to knowledge, skills, practical know-how, approaches scattered in diverse disciplines, enhance human competence and performance in the specialised work environment and sustain global development.