Improving teaching and learning processes in computing for mechanical engineers: case of department of mechanical and production engineering, Kyambogo University.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the existing teaching and learning systems,
challenges in the delivery of training, identify and evaluate strategies aimed at improving delivery
of training in Computing for Mechanical Engineers offered as a course unit in the programmes
trained at the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Kyambogo University.
Work process analysis and the future workshop procedures were the methods used to investigate
the teaching and learning processes involved in the delivery of training in Computing for
Mechanical Engineers. The stakeholders in the study included students, lecturers, technicians and
administrators in the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering. In the future work
shop phases, the investigations that involved the stakeholders revealed challenges that were
affecting the delivery of training. The most felt challenges identified were need for relevancy in
instruction and training to improve applicability of computing for mechanical engineers in
industries, the inadequate time allocated to computing yet the content is wide, limited resources to
aid the teaching for example !CT equipment in particular computers are inadequate compared to
the large number of students. Strategies were established as alternative solutions to the identified
challenges. From the established strategies, the most feasible strategies were agreed upon by
stakeholders. The feasible strategies were implemented and evaluated. conclusions made and
recommendations were derived basing on the evaluation findings. The findings indicated that the
group discussions strategy was highly rated by students for improving the training delivery
followed by additional practice time, demonstrations and ICT integration in teaching and learning
processes. The lecturers rated demonstrations lowest while technicians rated ICT integration
lowest. Therefore group discussion strategy should be taken advantage of inspite of demonstration
and ICT facilities