Efficacy of Activity-based learning in improving student's soft skills, creativity and innovation at Information Studies Department

The aim of education is to empower students with the necessary information and skills to contribute to society and achieve good employment opportunities. However, traditional learning methods may not effectively develop the competencies needed for the job market, especially creativity, and innovation. To address this, higher education institutions have been incorporating project- and activity-based learning, which actively engages students in learning. This approach has enhanced critical thinking, problem-solving, cognitive and innovation skills, and employability. However, there is a need to investigate the outcomes and challenges of implementing activity-based learning, especially in the social sciences in higher education in Arab regions. This study aims to fill this gap and contribute to the advancement of the Omani higher education system in line with Oman Vision 2040. A Mixed Approach will be used using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to achieve the research objectives. This research will lead to a clear understanding of the efficacy of situation in Oman regarding establishing the digital economy. Moreover, the research will assess the relationship between the digital economy and the country's direction towards a knowledge-based economy. The research contribution of the current study is to provide a better understanding of the implementation of activity-based learning (ABL) in social sciences in higher education in Arab regions, with a particular focus on the Sultanate of Oman and it impact on student learning outcomes and knowledge utilization and management in the context of the Omani higher education system. The study's findings can help inform higher education policy and practice in Oman and other Arab countries and contribute to the broader literature on ABL and its effectiveness in enhancing student learning outcomes and employability.