EXPLORING THE USE OF MULTILITERACIES PROJECT APPROACH TO ENHANCE EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AMONG MALAYSIAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

Fariza Puteh Behak¹*,  Normazla Ahmad Mahir², Yurni Emilia Abd Hamid³, Suzanah Selamat⁴, Suraini Mohd Ali⁵, Ramiaida Darmi⁶, Haliza Harun⁷, Norhaili Massari⁸, Noor Saazai Mat Saad⁹, Harison Sidek^10
 1Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, fariza@usim.edu.my
²Ms., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, normazla@usim.edu.my
³Ms., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, yurni@usim.edu.my
⁴Ms., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, suzanah@usim.edu.my
⁵Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, suraini@usim.edu.my
⁶Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, ramiaida@usim.edu.my
⁷Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, haliza@usim.edu.my
⁸Ms., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, norhaili@usim.edu.my
⁹Dr., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, noorsaazai@usim.edu.my
¹⁰Assoc. Prof., Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Malaysia, harison@usim.edu.my
*Corresponding author

Abstract
Enhancing 21st century learning skills becomes the utmost importance in the contemporary education world. In Malaysia, the rising number of unemployment among Malaysian university graduates is associated to the lack of 21st century skills and it is imperative to find a pedagogical approach that could enhance these skills. This study examines how Multiliteracies Project Approach (MPA) enhances 21st century skills among Malaysian university graduates. It is a qualitative study that was conducted at a public university in Nilai, Malaysia, involving 50 students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) course. Data was collected using qualitative tools such as observation, semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Data was then analyzed using a thematic analysis method. The findings of the study showed that MPA promotes the development of collaborative, technological and critical thinking skills among students. MPA provided students the chance to practice working effectively in in a network of people to achieve a mutual goal. Findings also showed that students acquired new skills when learning using MPA, including technological skills and critical thinking skills which were significant in 21st century employment. The findings suggest that Multiliteracies Project Approach can provide a significant pedagogical implication.

Keywords: multiliteracies, 21st century skills, pedagogical implication.