Cultivation of generic students’ attributes among students in a private higher education in Malaysia

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the cultivation of Generic Student Attributes (GSA) among students in a private higher education institution in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Preliminary research indicates that very few private higher education institutions (PHEI) has developed GSA to increase students’ generic skills among students that will directly improve graduates’ employability level. The research objective addressing 2 different research question. Firstly, to investigate components of GSA for students in Private Higher Education in Johor Bahru. Secondly, to investigate cultivation of GSA among students in PHEI. Qualitative research was conducted among students in Private Higher Education in Johor Bahru to investigate the cultivation of GSA and the research outcome is narrated through Case Study research design. Data saturation achieved through the participation of 9 students. Thematic Technique has been employed to process and analyse the data from semi-structured interview question. Results show that students cultivated components of GSA, namely leadership skills, moral and professional ethics, entrepreneurship skills, continuous learning, teamwork, critical thinking skills and communication skills throughout teaching and learning. Injection of extra curriculum module by Students Affairs Department helps students to improve GSA. Finally, the study suggests that Private Higher Education in Johor Bahru should design and implement framework of GSA across all discipline to improve employability of graduates.