Improving performance in real life project module for building students at Amelo technical institute, Adjumani district

Abstract

Real Life Project Module is one of the course modules for NCBC designed to impact on skills needed in the labour market. The major aim of this action research was therefore to improve the performance of the Real Life Project module. The study purpose was to develop a tool that could be used to streamline the teaching and learning of Real Life Project. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the current methods in the teaching and learning of Real Life Project module for Building students of Amelo Technical Institute, to develop a tool for efficient teaching and learning of Real Life Project module for Building students of Amelo Technical Institute, to implement the use of the developed tool in the teaching and learning of Real Life Project module for Building and Construction Students of Amelo Technical Institute and to evaluate the impact of the use of developed tool in the teaching and learning process of Real Life Project module for Building students at ATI. The study employed a descriptive qualitative research design and an Action Research approach. Focused Group Discussions, interviews, observation and future workshop were employed as tools of data collection. Ten students of the NCBC and three instructors were purposively selected and engaged in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interview guide, visual in participation (VIP) cards/manila cards logbook, Focus Group Disussion Guide, Observation Guide and a process journal. Among the findings, the study revealed that teacher centered learning approach was the current method in the teaching and learning of Real Life Project module for the students. The study also revealed that using the process journal as tool improved the instructor/ student relationship. This was evidenced when the trainees were in constant consultation with instructors during the product development and report writing. The study revealed that, participants were motivated with the results of the project especially process journal to aid the implementation of the project. The study further revealed that teaching and learning in groups could yield better results and therefore improve the quality of trainees. The study found out that instructors need to pay more attention to the methods of teaching utilized during a given subject matter. The study recommended that the tool be adopted by UBTEB as one of its tool. In conclusion, it is aspired that the process journal will serve as a guide in the training and evaluation of Real Life Project module. Keywords: Process journal; Active teaching and learning; Retooling instructors.