Towards Inclusive Classrooms: Shaping South African Higher Education for Employability

Abstract

The employability of graduates in South Africa is a crucial issue that requires attention from educational institutions due to its impact on the economy, the challenges faced by graduates, and the need to support students in developing employability skills. Therefore, the present study aims to explore educational perspectives on fostering graduate employability in South Africa. The study underscores the significance of adopting a comprehensive strategy for education, emphasizing practical training, technological integration, and theoretical knowledge. The research investigates the role of policy and curriculum design in shaping graduate employability, specifically by prioritizing cultural, creative industries, and economic sectors. The study also analyzes the importance of creative teaching methods and the role of educators in encouraging students to think creatively. The novelty of this investigation is in its emphasis on inclusivity in the classroom as a means to engage students and develop skills that boost employability. The research investigates the impact of practical training, technology integration in teaching, and theory-focused lectures on the employability of graduates, assessing the potential benefits and implications of reshaping higher education policies to prioritize cultural, creative industries, and the economy, and explores the relationship between the integration of creative teaching methods by educators, involvement of students in the educational journey, and the creation of an inclusive classroom environment. The study findings offer a significant understanding of the perspectives of students and academic faculty regarding the enhancement of employability in tertiary education in South Africa.