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Authorities of Polytechnics
urged to review curriculum
Ho, Aug. 26, Ghanadot/GNA
– Authorities of Polytechnics in Ghana have been urged to
introduce Competency Based Learning (CBL) approach in the
training of students pursuing courses in Engineering and
Applied Science Departments.
Dr Samuel Addo, Head of Agriculture Engineering Department
at Ho Polytechnic who made the call said it would ensure the
students were better prepared for the job market and
self-employment.
He was addressing a workshop on the CBL curriculum jointly
developed by Lecturers in Agricultural Engineering
Departments of Ho, Wa, Tamale and Bolgatanga Polytechnics at
Ho.
The two million euros project was initiated with support
from the Netherlands Government.
Dr Addo speaking to Ghana News Agency, said CBL was a
practical problem solving approach in which students applied
their knowledge in practice, focused on developing their
knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.
He explained that professional skills which constituted 60
per cent of the training and assessment of students focused
on post harvest technology, soil and water engineering,
mechanisation, machinery and 40 per cent on acquisition of
conceptual knowledge and practical training in the
laboratory and attachment.
Dr Addo said under the CBL approach students developed a
routine and produced measurable products that could be
assessed by industry and educational institutions.
He said they study in a flexible way, developed their own
learning process and motivated to learn because the learning
environment was stimulating and called on stakeholders in
industry, government and NGO’s to invest in implementing the
new approach to Polytechnic training in the country.
Dr Hans Corten of CAH Droten Professional Agricultural
University in the Netherlands said the award of Higher
National Diploma (HND) was different field of competency and
not a diluted Master of Science Degree from the university.
He noted that a competency based HND holder was better than
a graduate in the field of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Dr Corten who co-ordinated the development of CBL for the
Polytechnics said different equipment and people with the
right orientation were required to teach in the Polytechnics
but not a PhD Degree.
The participants mostly polytechnic lecturers commended the
CBL approach in the Polytechnics but pointed out that it
required much collaboration between students and lecturers
for its implementation.
GNA
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