Reaching Back While Looking Forward: Purposeful Integration of Soft Skills in Support of Online Adult Learners and a Global Workforce

Integration of Soft Skills in Support of Online Adult Learners

Authors

Abstract

In light of the aims of Sustainable Development Goal #4 and a growing global workforce, online higher education programs should consider ways to support adult learners’ orientation toward relevant instruction and lifelong skills. While separated by physical space, learners are more connected now than ever due to online and digital platforms that bring learners together from across state and nation lines. Based on the tenets of Connectivism, learning is reliant on social and relational aspects and this holds true beyond brick and mortar classrooms. One way for online course developers and instructors to encourage social connections while acknowledging a global workforce is to incorporate intentional opportunities for students to discover and practice soft skills, particularly those that are people-facing such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. This paper introduces a conceptual framework, provides theory-to-practice application, discusses the implications for higher education institutions, and makes a call for future research to continue the conversation on ways to advance UNESCO’s commitment to foster development through sustainable education.

Author Biographies

Tanya Tarbutton, Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Tanya Tarbutton works as a Professor of Education at Concordia University Irvine where she serves as the Senior Director of Master of Arts Programs. Her areas of interest include adult learning, online and global education, leadership and curriculum development and alignment.

Lori B. Doyle, Concordia University Irvine

Dr. Lori Doyle currently serves as Director of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership programs and Assistant Director of the Servant Leadership Institute at Concordia University Irvine in California, USA. Her areas of research interest are servant leadership, higher education, adult learners, and vocation.

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Published

2026-09-12

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 3 (2026): CURRENT ISSUE

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction

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