Pedagogy of Skills: Strengthening Technology and Livelihood Education through Home Economics in Higher Education Curricula

Abstract

This study explored the integration of Home Economics (HE) within Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) in higher education, focusing on its pedagogical practices, challenges, and opportunities at Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U). Guided by qualitative methods, the research examined how educators balanced technical competency with life skills through experiential learning, hands-on demonstrations, and project-based activities. Findings revealed that HE was not merely skill training but a holistic educational practice that cultivated professional competencies, entrepreneurial readiness, and cultural values tied to Filipino family life and community care. Despite these strengths, challenges emerged in embedding HE within higher education curricula, including limited resources, outdated facilities, and insufficient teacher preparation. However, opportunities were also identified in aligning HE with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), entrepreneurial education, and the integration of cultural knowledge in pedagogy. Students viewed HE as relevant both personally and professionally, highlighting its role in equipping them with self-reliance, adaptability, and cultural identity formation. Coping mechanisms such as resource improvisation, peer collaboration, and the incorporation of cultural practices demonstrated the resilience of both faculty and learners. These findings underscore the importance of institutional support and policy reform in bridging the gap between vision and practice. Overall, the study positions HE as a critical component of TLE that promotes holistic development by addressing workforce readiness, entrepreneurial competence, and culturally responsive education in Philippine higher education.