Implication of Higher Education Institutions’ Learning Environment on Students’ Attitude to Learn Sustainable Labor Market Competencies in Tanzania: a systematic review

Abstract

Higher education institutions’ learning environment is very important for students’ attitude to learn labor market competencies. The objectives of this paper is to analyze the strengths, challenges and opportunities encountered by higher education institutions in Tanzania in the course of promoting labor market competency learning among university students. This research employs a qualitative method with a systematic literature review approach focusing on reviewing the implications of higher education institutions’ learning environment on students’ attitude to learn competencies for sustainable labor market in Tanzania. Results reveal that higher education institutions in Tanzania play a core function in the implementation and achievement of competency learning including; developing required skills and competencies among students, working with different institutions to promote sustainable labor market competencies and conducting research. However, challenges are encountered including challenges in teaching and learning process, increasing number of unemployment among graduates, the number of learners in some higher learning institutions being relatively higher than the recommended number, meager budget, and graduates’ lack of necessary competencies in the job market. The article recommends taking action to harmonize the situation so as to allow smooth implementation of competency learning and development by encouraging more research on education provision processes, encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation skills among higher education learners by universities and policy developers for sustainability. Moreover, the government could support public and private universities more equitably so as universities can sustainably create supportive environment for learners’ attitude in developing job market competencies.