Improving project based learning to enhance trainees’ skills acquisition in welding and metal fabrication at Buhimba technical institute in Hoima, Uganda

Abstract

This action research was conducted in the Welding and Metal Fabrications department at Buhimba Technical Institute in Hoima District. The problem of inadequate trainees’ skills acquisition was identified and subsequently, this study aimed at improving the delivery of Project Based Learning for enhancement of trainees’ skills acquisition. The study was guided by three research objectives; to explore the possible strategies that could be employed to improve PBL for skills acquisition, to implement the possible strategies to improve PBL for skills acquisition and to evaluate the impact of the implemented strategies on PBL for skills acquisition in welding and metal fabrications at BTI. There is noticeable laxity in engagement of active teaching and learning processes as it has contributed to instructors’ preference of teacher centered approaches rather than learner centered ones. A qualitative approach and a Participatory Action Research design was employed in the study where stakeholders collectively participated in a situation analysis and Futures Workshop. Participants were purposively selected and the study employed Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Future Workshops and Participant Observations as methods of data collection. The data collected was translated, coded and presented under the themes following the objectives of the study. The mode of delivery for PBL was improved through the following: observance of HSE and use of PPE, engaging trainees through Real Life Projects and employing Assessment Training Package Tool. Trainees’ skills acquisition was seen to be hindered by unavailability of training materials and limited exposure to world of work.