Bridging the Gap Between Academe-Industry Through Outcomes-Based Curriculum Development

Abstract

Marissa C Esperal, Mari Jane A Lee, Ma Elna R Cosejo

To bridge the gap between academe and industry, the study determined the highly in demand technical skills and knowledge competencies needed in psychological practice in CALABARZON. Two perspectives were considered in approaching the problem: the perspective of 44 employers or industry partners and the perspective of 120 employees who are graduates from Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Southern Luzon State University. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering data. Quantitative data was analyzed through the use of weighted mean and MannWhitney U while qualitative data was analyzed based on the model of psychological competencies of the IAAP and the IUPsyS. Findings revealed that majority (21 or 52.5%) of the 40 identified as very relevant competencies fall within Cluster A which consists of psychological knowledge and skills underpinning the core competencies; ten (25%) of the identified skills and competencies fall within Cluster C which consists of professional activities competencies and nine (22.5%) fall within Cluster B which consists of professional behavior competencies. The top twelve competencies in the list consists Encourage good relations and motivations among personnel (W=2.82); Facilitate professional trainings and career development (W=2.72); Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino (2.70); and Recognize professional, social and ethical responsibility (both with WM=2.70); Conduct interviews; and Communicate well with clients (both with WM=2.67); Develop selection procedures, performance appraisal techniques and curricula for training programs (W=2.66); Facilitate recruitment, assessment and selection of personnel (W=2.64); Deal with complaints objectively (W=2.59); Establish and maintain rapport; Organize seminar workshops and trainings; and Conduct job performance appraisal (all with WM=2.59). It was concluded that psychological knowledge and skills competencies are among the top competencies needed in psychological practice based on the perception of both groups of respondents. However, on top of psychological knowledge and skills are professional behavior competencies which also play an important role in the industry. It was further concluded that the skills and competencies being developed in the AB Psychology curriculum of Southern Luzon State University are highly relevant and responsive to the needs of the industry. Recommendations were forwarded to concerned authorities.

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