Introducing Holixec Education: A Human-Centric Approach to Learner Workplace Readiness via the MECCDAL Method

Abstract

This position paper presents ‘holixec education,’ a groundbreaking model in higher education that merges holistic instruction with execution-oriented learning strategies. The term ‘holixec’ is a blend of ‘holistic’ and ‘execution.’ This innovative approach, particularly pertinent in business schools, enhances learners’ readiness for the workplace. The model is operationalized through the MECCDAL Method, a seven-pillar educational framework explicitly crafted for business schools. It necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation of the student's learning journey, the higher education system, and the academic culture in light of significant industry transformations. Holixec education aligns with students’ diverse developmental needs and addresses workforce demands and environmental challenges. It offers a theoretically grounded and practical educational framework that promotes balanced personal growth, enhances well-being, and cultivates relationships among students and various stakeholders. The paper posits that holixec education has the potential to transform academic teaching and learning, heralding a new epoch in business schools and higher education at large. It extends Bourdieu's theory of human development capital by broadening the dimensions of cultural capital to include artistic and media elements, and by introducing a novel form known as well-being capital. Also, the holixec paradigm enriches Miller's holistic education theory by integrating the execution approach at the heart of business sciences. Moreover, it provides a theoretical underpinning for the seven-pillar MECCDAL education model through the holixec paradigm. The contributions of this article underscore the potential of the holixec education model for rethinking the current higher education system.