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.