Researchers get training in Problem Based Learning

The college successfully hosted the Enriching Engineering Education Programme under the theme “Problem Based Learning” with a view of drawing ways through which the engineering curriculum can be problem based. This involves lecturers and students identifying a community problem and working together to find a solution. In this case, rather than the teacher communicating knowledge to students (chalk and talk), often in lecture setting, the teacher instead acts as an initiator and facilitator in the collaborative process of knowledge transfer and development.

dsc_1127-smallThe workshop covered areas of what Problem Based Learning (PBL) is, why introduce it into Engineering Teaching, challenges of PBL and strategies in implementing PBL. The two-day workshop (August 7-8, 2014) attracted participants from University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Moi University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Kenya and Aalborg University in Denmark. Ugandan universities included Makerere, Ndejje, Busitema and Kyambogo Universities.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, while opening the workshop, noted that the Problem Based Learning methodology is very important when it comes to ensuring that teaching and learning benefits both the students and the industry.

“It is a radical shift in educational thinking from a teacher-centred approach of teaching to student-centred approach to learning.  Problem Based Learning completely re-defines the role of the teacher in the learning process,” he said.

The VC called on higher learning institutions in the East African Community partner states to adopt teaching and learning methodologies including curriculum that not only cope with the rest of higher education learning Institutions world-wide but also instil adequate skills, knowledge and attitudes in our graduates.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr Mona-Lisa Dahms from Aalborg University in Denmark.

The first Workshop of Enriching Engineering Education in Sub-Saharan region was held at the University of Dar es Salaam in March 2014. The first workshop focused on developing the Outcome Based Curriculum that aims at bringing the engineering curricula closer to the needs of the learners and the modern industry. In other words, developing curricula which are responsive to the market needs while at the same time ensuring they are learner-centred.

The next workshop will be held at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya.

To view Dr Mona’s presentation, please follow the link below.
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Researchers get training in Problem Based Learning

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Dr. Mona’s Presentation PPT