A review of literature on challenges in the development and implementation of generic competencies in higher education curriculum

Abstract

Generic competencies development in higher education curriculum involves many unresolved issues concerning institutional and curriculum support, conceptualisation of generic competencies, teaching pedagogy and assessment, as well as teachers' and students' perceptions. This paper explores these challenges by way of a critical review of literature in the last two decades. It shows that teaching pedagogy, curriculum, students' experience and learning strategy, conception, missions from higher education and compliances are not aligned to ensure effective generic competencies development, and this is attributable to the lack of an agreed conceptual base. This paper will provide insights into areas for future research and development.