Developing a Prototype Employment Guidance Curriculum for Chinese College Students: A Taylor-Model Approach

Background and Aim: To address the structural mismatch in college graduate employment projected for 2024, this research refines the career guidance curriculum at Xi’jing University by applying the Taylor practice-oriented model. New modules focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, mental well-being, and interdisciplinary skills have been integrated to strengthen students' employability. Materials and Methods: This study utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Based on relevant literature and the Ministry of Education’s curriculum standards, this study explored the theoretical framework and research findings of college students’ employment guidance courses. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 104 students and teachers from the School of Education at Xi’jing University to analyze the current course content and implementation. Subsequently, six college employment guidance experts participated in semi-structured interviews to evaluate and validate the designed course model. Results: The course as a whole meets the standards set by the Ministry of Education. This research refines the course model in areas such as innovation and entrepreneurship, mental health, interdisciplinary skills, and internship/practical training, such as "developing student psychological guidance courses, combining modern technology with interdisciplinary teaching, creating innovative experiments and other application projects, and constructing realistic scene simulation systems." The course model effectively enhances students' professional abilities, and it is in line with the teaching objectives. Conclusion: This study has developed a three-pronged curriculum framework of "value orientation - skill cultivation - practical enhancement," offering a reproducible model for the reform of employment guidance courses in higher education institutions. It also promotes the coordinated improvement of individual growth, educational standards, and societal needs. The curriculum prototype offers a replicable model for aligning educational content with China's evolving job market needs.