THE EFFICACY OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS CURRICULA AND INSTRUCTION ON ACQUISITION OF SOFT SKILLS FOR STUDENTS IN KENYAN UNIVERSITIES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Mary Nguvi Muindi School of Education Arts, Kabarak University, Kenya
  • Ruth Thinguri Dr., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v9i1.4109

Keywords:

communication skills curricula, soft skills competencies, critical analysis and efficacy

Abstract

Soft skills are some of the 21st century's most important life skills that should equip university students. Communication skills is one of the courses offered in Kenyan Universities to enhance the soft skills competencies of all undergraduates in their first-year semester. However, employers raised a concern that the newly hired graduates lack essential employability skills to perform office tasks effectively. Communication skills instruction and curricula do not contribute to the required soft skills competencies. The purpose of this study is to conduct a critical analysis of the efficacy of communication skills curricula and instruction on the acquisition of soft skills competencies required in the 21st-century workforce. The study had two objectives: to carry out a critical analysis of listening skills curricula and instruction on the acquisition of soft skills competencies and to examine critically speaking skills curricula and teaching on the acquisition of soft skills competencies. Speber and Wilson (1995) relevance theory of communication anchored the study. The study employed a qualitative approach to research methodology and content analysis to analyse the data. The findings revealed that communication skills instructors taught listening and speaking skills theoretically. There is a need for communication skills curricula to be aligned with industry-specific skills and communication skills instructors to utilise differentiated instruction, engaging pedagogies, and integrate information technology in their classrooms. The learner-centered approach will enhance the acquisition of soft skills competencies among the graduates. The research recommends that universities in Kenya review the communication skills course and align it with the Competency-Based Curriculum.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Mary Nguvi Muindi, School of Education Arts, Kabarak University, Kenya
    Mary Muindi is a lecturer of Communication Skills and English Language at Kabarak University, Kenya; PhD student at Kenyatta University (Cognitive Linguistics); Masters of Arts in English/Linguistics, Bachelor of Education (English/ Literature). Her research interests include: Teaching of Communication Skills and English as a second language, Discourse Analysis, Language and gender, Cognitive Linguistics and Competency Based Curriculum. Participations: Community outreach, educational consultancy, workshops and seminars.
  • Ruth Thinguri, Dr., School of Education, Mount Kenya University, Kenya
    Dr. Ruth Nthinguri is a Senior lecturer at Mount Kenya University. She is a holder of a PhD in Education, Masters in Education, and Bachelor of Education. Her research interests include: Contemporary issues affecting education in all disciplines, research, monitoring and evaluation. Participations: Community outreach, educational consultancy, workshops and seminars.

References

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Published

2022-01-08

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Articles

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