Improving teaching and learning processes in computing for mechanical engineers: case of department of mechanical and production engineering, Kyambogo University.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the existing teaching and learning systems, challenges in the delivery of training, identify and evaluate strategies aimed at improving delivery of training in Computing for Mechanical Engineers offered as a course unit in the programmes trained at the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Kyambogo University. Work process analysis and the future workshop procedures were the methods used to investigate the teaching and learning processes involved in the delivery of training in Computing for Mechanical Engineers. The stakeholders in the study included students, lecturers, technicians and administrators in the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering. In the future work shop phases, the investigations that involved the stakeholders revealed challenges that were affecting the delivery of training. The most felt challenges identified were need for relevancy in instruction and training to improve applicability of computing for mechanical engineers in industries, the inadequate time allocated to computing yet the content is wide, limited resources to aid the teaching for example !CT equipment in particular computers are inadequate compared to the large number of students. Strategies were established as alternative solutions to the identified challenges. From the established strategies, the most feasible strategies were agreed upon by stakeholders. The feasible strategies were implemented and evaluated. conclusions made and recommendations were derived basing on the evaluation findings. The findings indicated that the group discussions strategy was highly rated by students for improving the training delivery followed by additional practice time, demonstrations and ICT integration in teaching and learning processes. The lecturers rated demonstrations lowest while technicians rated ICT integration lowest. Therefore group discussion strategy should be taken advantage of inspite of demonstration and ICT facilities