Improving hands-on training for skill acquisition of engineering Students at the department of mechanical and production engineering, Kyambogo university
Abstract
The main purpose of the research study was to improve on hands- on training for skills acquisition of
engineering students, the study was conducted from the Department of Mechanical and Production
Engineering at Kyambogo University, the study was guided by the research objectives which
included, identifying gaps in hands- on training , proposing solutions to gaps identified, implementing
solutions and evaluating the solutions in relation to improving hands- on training for skills
acquisitions of engineering students. The stakeholders of Mechanical Department proposed
interventions of improving hands-on training among them were; staffs brings private work in
workshops of mechanical department, using the private workshops of mechanical staff and finally
using Video clips during training sessions. The research study was guided by experiential learning
theory by Kolb, internet journals and text books which have attempted to explain the concept of
hands- on training and skills acquisitions. The other literature was acquired from the program book
of diploma at Mechanical Department.
The study employed a combination of research design which included participatory action research,
qualitative and quantitative design, the research method used was participatory action research
approach where stakeholder participated in focused group discussions/meetings at all levels of
research. The study engaged students and staff from Mechanical department and research data was
collected through interviewing. Observing, focused group meetings and some few from
questionnaire. The study implemented the proposed interventions which constituted the positive
change in students skills, learners were able to trouble shoot defects in motor vehicle, general
servicing of a motor vehicle among others, during evaluation the intervention of mechanical staff
bring private projects in mechanical workshops on which students can learn on emerged the best after