Workshop participants at Kakamega Sports Club.
A team of researchers at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology have called for new techniques in higher education to provoke students into developing 21st century skills. The researchers, who were led by the Principal Investigator (PI)-Prof. Judah Ndiku, revealed this when they presented the preliminary research findings of a study, ‘Student Engagement in Evidence-Based to Learning and Educational Outcomes in Higher Education in Kenya’, on Thursday, 17th August, 2023 at Kakamega Sports Club. The Workshop was officially opened by the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Francis Orata.
Speaking during the Workshop, Prof. Ndiku stated that the study involved a number of Universities, where the research team collected information from both students and faculty. “The study found out that there is a need for retooling faculty in terms of engaging current learners, and teaching students to apply real-life practices,” said the PI, and subsequently emphasized capacity building for lecturers. “As we transition into competency-based higher education, we need to change how we do things,” he added.
Prof. Judah Ndiku (Principal Investigator) gives his remarks at the Workshop.
“Researchers have often gone to the communities to gather information but what makes this study special is that researchers have decided to study Universities. I applaud this research team for taking the lead in changing how faculty engages with students,” said the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha.
Prof. Orata pointed out that the University is doing great as far as research is concerned, adding that many scholars have benefitted from the University Research Fund (URF). “URF is meant to encourage researchers to apply for higher grants, and to publish their work,” he said, adding that his Directorate will continue to link MMUST researchers with external partners. The Director, Privately Sponsored Student Programs and Campuses, and In-Charge University Advancement Office, Prof. Peter Bukhala, echoed that this study should be upscaled to the next level of attracting donor funding.
Prof. Hussein Golicha gives his remarks.
The objectives of this study are; To establish the status of engaging students in evidence-based learning in higher education in Kenya, to examine the effect of engaging students in evidence-based learning on educational outcomes in higher education in Kenya, and to assess the needs of faculty and develop a module for training in engaging students in evidence-based learning in higher education.
While presenting on the third objective, Dr. Pamela Buhere (one of the Co-PIs) noted that the skills of writing, speaking and critical thinking should be emphasized more by Universities. She further stated that the study found out that there were more faculty-student interactions in public Universities compared to Private Universities, which had quality administrative interactions.
Dr. Caroline Wekullo making a presentation.
Regarding pedagogy and programmes, the researchers recommended greater focus on mentorship and joint lecturer-student projects. The other Co-PIs on this project are; Dr. Geoffrey Musera and Dr. Caroline Wekullo. Notably, the Dean-School of Education (SEDU), Prof. Moses Poipoi, was also present during the Workshop.
Indeed, this study has revealed that retooling faculty in regard to engaging students is very important. There is a need for student-focused teaching strategies in order to prepare learners for the real world of work, and the study has opened up a great discussion on this.
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
