Actions to improve current state of student employability skills development in Ghana’s public universities: A case study of geography departments

Abstract

The paper explored perspectives of stakeholders in geography education on measures geography departments should take to equip students with employable skills. The study was conducted against the backdrop of a common perception that in Ghana, there appears to be a disparity between what the world of work expects from university graduates and what universities produce. This perceived gap was the thrust of this study. Constructivist Theory, which in the 20th Century was popularised by Jean Piaget and John Dewey formed the theoretical framework for the study. Three objectives were used to guide the study. The case study research design was adopted for this study. Purposive sampling was used to select 36 undergraduate students and 19 support staff. Census sampling was used to select two heads of department; convenience sampling was used to select four instructors who were willing to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was also used to select four employers and 19 graduate employees. Thematic analysis was used in analysing the data. One of the findings was the suggestion by the stakeholders that the geography departments should adopt a more innovative approach to the training of students. Another finding was the need for the geography departments to periodically review their curricula. A major recommendation was that the geography departments should occasionally organise seminars and workshops on innovative instructional practices and social networking among staff and students.