Using Problem Based Learning (PBL) to Enhance Lifelong Learning among University Graduates.

View/ Open
PDF (279.1Kb)
Date
2019-09Abstract
Africa can benefit from the fourth Industrial Revolution, a forerunner in using smartphones for advanced business and information sharing in an agile way which is the first step of taking advantage of the ‘Internet of Things’. But it will only succeed if this development leaves no-one behind. The education of youth must, therefore, aim at lifelong learning with a focus on problem-solving to empower them to interact actively with societal challenges. Gulu University in northern Uganda was established in a region affected by a 20-year civil war, to promote community transformation and industrialization for sustainable development. The war had left the region with inadequate quality of education and graduates resulting in low graduate employability and resultant poverty. At Gulu University, the DANIDA funded ‘Building Stronger Universities’ project, has established Problem Based Learning (PBL) pedagogy focused on problem identification and solving, creative and critical thinking, knowledge acquisition, teamwork and communication skills, where e-learning through Moodle an open-source learning platform is used to reach employed students who cannot attend normal teaching hours. PBL and Moodle are used as innovative learner-centered, selfdriven and self-sustaining pedagogy and as tools for community engagement promoting youth innovativeness and entrepreneurship. ICT is integrated into teaching and learning to generate new knowledge and skills. This paper describes how the BSU graduate students' training programme has been successful, where they have used their PBL skills in practice by supporting SMEs, schools and community groups to develop entrepreneurial innovation and using ICT tools. The method has been action research with an intervention into real challenges in the community. This approach has resulted in successful business development, job creation, and improved entrepreneurial skills where both the students and the stakeholders have developed and benefited mutually from the PBL approach. //Paper ID 124
Subject
Collections
Metadata
Show full item recordRelated Items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Assessing the Needs of Industries to Enhance Graduate Employability - The Case of Mauritius
Gungea, Meera (Commonwealth of Learning (COL), 2019-09)The value of higher education and its relevance in sustaining global competitiveness are indisputable. However, while the achievement of formal degrees remains a priority, the employability of people depends a lot on skills ... -
The Dilemmas of Teaching and Assessing Soft Skills and their Implications for Quality of University Graduates in Tanzania
Sanga, Philipo Lonati (Commonwealth of Learning (COL), 2019-09)The qualifications that matter most for this century are ostensibly related to the demonstrated mastery of essential compet encies referred to as soft skills . Studying academic content ought not to be the ... -
Accreditation of Prior Learning within the Lifelong Learning Discourse: Exploring the Drivers for Change at the University of Mauritius
Rampersad, Rubina D; Ittea, Reena (Commonwealth of Learning (COL), 2019-09)prominence as a key skill to cope with the changing environment. When we discuss about lifelong learning, recognising prior learning and experience of prospective learners gathers great resonance as practitioners acknowledge ... -
Problem Based Learning for Quality Teacher Education
Shetty, Geeta S (2010-11)Teachers are potentially the single most important asset in the achievement of the vision of a learning society. The modern day teacher should be prepared to take on roles of not just knowledge disseminators but also ... -
Adoption of Semi-formal Mobile Processing Training for Enhanced Skill Acquisition in Girls and Women, Towards Employability, Better Livelihood and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria
Odunmbaku, Adiat A; Bakare-Aremu, Tunde A (Commonwealth of Learning (COL), 2019-09)Women and girls are most vulnerable in the society, most especially when considering the incidence of poverty. This follow a saying that, train a girl child and emancipate a Nation, if women or girls are well trained for ...