A SHORT DESCRIPTION ABOUT MYSELF AND WORK:

I am a Production (Mechanical) Engineer by Profession and currently the Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering Sciences and Technology Technical University of Kenya.  My research areas are mainly Materials, Energy, Manufacturing and Foundry Engineering.

Being an educator and a mentor, I have had a keen interest to sharpen my skills on the constructivist approach to content delivery and I believe these workshop series at both Neu-Ulm and Ingolshadt will give me great insights on modalities of achieve this objective.   So far, the workshops have accorded me an opportunity to compare and contrast the Kenyan system of Higher education and that of German Universities of Applied Sciences.  It is clear that Germany attaches great importance to applied research as a key to transformative education that in turn brings about positive institutional change.  In terms of the way forward with regard to education, Kenya faced with the challenge of fostering development towards the achievement of Vision 2030 finds itself at the cross-roads on the type of education strategies to adopt or implement at both Tertiary and University levels.  The model practiced in Universities of applied sciences in Germany offers a perfect option for Kenya as a way forward.

Relevant Insights I gained during the workshop week

  1. The importance the German government attaches to Universities of Applied Science
  2. The fact that Professors of Applied Science Universities must have worked in industry before joining the University
  3. The close collaboration existing between Universities of Applied Science and Industry
  4. Virtually all students going through a University of Applied Science must have practical exposure at both internship and thesis levels
  5. The mode of training is instructive or collaborative, largely inviting the contribution of the student as opposed to the professor “handing down knowledge”.
  6. All programmes offered at a University of Applied Science have a relevance to the market or community of interest.
  7. The University is seen as a benefactor to the community.

Three intentions how I want to apply these insights at my home University or faculty (Quick wins).

  1. Remodel the approach of Industrial attachment to include seminars that are assessed at the beginning and end of session.
  2. Develop proposals on training schedules for faculty staff on transformative education.

Seek the support of Management on the implementation of key transformational approaches applied in German Universities of Applied Science.