Skills for the 21st century training in higher education institutions in Oman: Helping students realize their highest potential in relation to the job market

This study aims to investigate how critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for the 21st century are incorporated in the curricula and taught in Oman s higher education institutions. It is premised on the assumption that there is misalignment at the intersection of higher education and workforce, resulting in a mismatch between the demands of the workplace that needs individuals who can think critically and act logically to evaluate situations; understand and solve problems; analyse data and make decisions;access and apply specialized knowledge from various fields. Does the current training of critical thinking and problem solving skills in higher educational institutions in the country match the demands of the competitive workplace? The study will enable educators and decision makers to gain a better understanding of the modern corporate culture and cognitive demands of the workplace, exploring skills-training that optimizes student success in Oman.