Enhancing practical technical skills acquisition in ordinary diploma in Science technology chemistry program of Kyambogo University

Abstract

The action research study was conducted in the Chemistry Department of Kyambogo University (KYU) in order to enhance technical practical skills acquisition by the ODST/C/1 learners. The sample size consisted of all 35 ODST/C/I learners, 3 lecturers, 3 technicians and the Head of Department (HOD) for chemistry from a population of all ODST/C/I, ODST/C/11 learners, their lecturers and technicians. The sample selection technique was purposive to ensure the ODST/C/1 learners fully benefit from the study right from the beginning to the end of their study program and set a standard for others to emu late. The work/production process and the future workshop were methods used to collect data. The work/production process analysis was used to determine the six stages (advertise, admit, orientation, delivery, assessment and graduation) in the production of the ODST/C graduates. The future workshop was then used to critically analyse the challenges in the mode of delivery and develop an action plan, implement and evaluate implementation, in order to enhance the technical practical skills of the ODST/C/I learners. The findings of the study revealed that most of the implementation actions were fully implemented in order to enhance the practical technical skills of the ODST/C/1 learners with a few exceptions not fully implemented due to a number of reasons which include the following: lack of commitment and determination by the stakeholders to perform their roles efficiently, the lack of sensitisation and I.ow morale of stakeholders and the lack of infrastructure, equipment and materials needed for the practical lessons. The following recommendations were also made in order to be able to register more success: the study needed more time to transform the attitudes and behavior of the stakeholders, supervision and monitoring of the implementation actions should continue at the departmental level, conducting of workshops for sensitisation and provision of incentives to improve motivation to all stakeholders.