A brief experience on the implementation of the UAS model: Joshua Ng’etuny-TU-K

Implementation of UAS Model

Based on the lessons learnt, the following summarizes my experience in implementation of the UAS model

The approach

A three pronged approach was adopted to implement the UAS idea;

  1. Implementing the model in my daily business; teaching, internship coordination and final year projects supervision
  2. Sensitization of students, colleagues and management
  3. Approaching possible industry partners

Success stories

  • The UAS approach aligns well with the mission and vision of the university which has its roots as a technical university
  • The UAS approach was well received by students and colleagues. The applied teaching approach using case studies proved stimulating to students, encouraging creativity and making learning fun
  • The idea was well received by colleagues and a conversation was generated leading to;
    1. Elements of the UAS model are being embedded into the B.Eng Tech Chemical engineering curriculum under review
    2. A strategy to undertake multidisciplinary projects is under consideration by the department. This will involve design of pilot plant equipment by chemical engineering students and fabrication by chemical engineering students & technicians
  • Industry partners approached (where students are attached) have shown a willingness to work with the department. The commitment have so far been informal, a formal working relationship shall be concretized once the idea is fully adopted university-wide
  • Database of industry partners that offer internship to our students and will form a first port of call for possible collaboration
  • Making use of existing MoUs with other universities (Moi University, University of Dar-Es-Salaam) to provide exposure to different laboratory equipment not available at the university
  • Adarsh polymer ltd, a start-up gave us final year projects on converting plastics to fuel. Results of the project will be presented on the 17th April 2019 as a final year project presentation

Challenges

  • Culture change
  • Workload- changing the mode of teaching needs reconfiguring the teaching content delivery style.
  • Financial challenges
  • Bureaucracy at the industry

What next?

  • Pre-internship/ IBL seminar for students scheduled for the beginning of the semester
  • Seminar for final year projects scheduled for May-August semester
  • Follow-up with companies who have showed willingness to work with us
  • Continue with sensitization of colleagues at the school and faculty level