1. A Learning-Centered Approach to Higher Education: Professional Success in the 21st Century

2. Carlos Tasso De Aquino, PhD University Research Chair – Center for Workplace Diversity Research School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix Robert W. Robertson, PhD Research Fellow – Center for Workplace Diversity Research School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix Pamela Allen, DM Research Affiliate – Center for Workplace Diversity Research School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix Paul Withey, DM Research Affiliate – Center for Workplace Diversity Research School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix

3. Primary Scope of Paper Workplace Development and Diversity
Professional Development
Work Environments
Learning-Centered Education
Andragogy

4. Development of Adult Competencies
Development of a Knowledge Economy
Learn and Apply Relevant Knowledge
Improve Student Preparation of a Global Marketplace

5. Avoiding “Sage on Stage”
Reduce Instructor Absolute Truth
Enable Students to Develop New Critical Thinking Skills
Instructor Becomes a Facilitator of Learning

6. Professional Success in 21st Century

7. Workplace Competencies
Foundation Skills
Time
Money
Material
Human Resources
Reading
Writing
Arithmetic
Listening
Works with Others
Thinking Skills
Information Processing
Personal Qualities
Understanding Complex Inter-Relationships
Thinking and Personal Skills
Adaptation to Various Technology

8. 21st Century Workplace Diversity
Lessons to Be Learned
Adult Literacy
Computer Skills
Social Disadvantage and Lower Skills Proficiency
Foreign Language Immigrants
Rapid Aging Population
Maintaining Work-Related Skills
Proficiency and Age
Participation in Adult Learning
Improving Adult Literacy
Develop Links Between the World of Learning and The World of Work
Under-Skilling
Gender Differences

9. Learning Centered Approach

10. The Truth is Out There The Role of Faculty
Faculty should read each class profile
Prepare a tailored approach that could address the specific learning needs of that particular group of students
Faculty should demonstrate a total confidence in the students’ ability to learn
Pygmalion Effect or the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Faculty must provide a context to the learning experience
Information and knowledge being gathered can and will be used in both their personal as their professional lives

11. A University Experience
5 Campuses (one in the US and four in Europe)
Students Came From More Than 100 Different Countries
Concentration of Individuals From China and India
Use of up-to-date textbooks
Combination of lectures and simulations to contextualize the knowledge
Use of the case method and role plays
Mentoring, coaching and counseling
Participation in external activities
Use of guest speakers
Use of Skype and other Internet options
Employability was a must, and the development of learning skills should be the foundation for managerial and interpersonal skills

12. What Now?
Employers look for professionals whom are capable, use appropriately technical skills, and interpersonal and managerial skills.
Students need to learn in such a way to foster their interest to pursue a successful career and life.
Learning-centered approach to education based on experiencing and including many dimensions to reach diverse students and learning

13. Questions?