Improving learners practical training and skills acquisition in production technology at the department of mechanical and production engineering - Kyambogo University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to improve student practical training and skills
acquisition in production technology in the department of mechanical and production
engineering at Kyambogo University. The objectives of the study were to; establish
the practical training methods that are used to teach production technology at the
DMPE in Kyambogo University; identify the gaps in practical training methods on the
level of skills acquisition of the learners at DMPE in Kyambogo University; provide
suggestions for improving the practical training methods at DMPE so as to enhance
skills acquisition of the learners at DMPE in Kyambogo University. The study was
qualitative and used action research design. The study involved eleven students of
Higher Diploma in Mechanical II class, four lecturers, four technicians and one head
of department. Using Future Workshop, data was collected on practical training gaps
hindering the enhancement of skills acquisition in production technology. The results
from future workshop revealed existence of the following gaps: loss of interest by
both learners and lecturers, lectures delivery methods needed improvement,
inadequate coverage of content, little emphasis on practical training, inadequate
training materials, irregular payments to lecturers, high number of part time lecturers,
different training equipment in university compared to those in industry among others.
Several interventions were proposed to address the identified gaps. The proposed
interventions were that training should be participatory where by both lecturers and
students are active participants, practical related lessons should be taught in
laboratories and workshops to link theory to reality, Head of department of
mechanical and production engineering should procure some training materials for
student to practice, mode of delivery should be strengthened by use of modern
teaching instruments like projectors and video clips. The study recommends that for
effective practical training to take place, appropriate tools and equipment should be
provided, learning should be participatory and mode of delivery should be improved
through the use of modem instruction materials and learning aides. From the Research
findings the researcher together with the participants concluded that learners practical
training can be improved by encouraging Hands-on Demonstration, and Group work
teaching methods.