Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice at Three RUFORUM Universities

Abstract: 
African agricultural universities have been heavily criticised for not producing graduates with the skills needed by the modern labour market. One of the perceived solutions advocated for this problem is the greater use of experiential learning approaches. After a short introduction to theory on experiential learning, this paper describes practices at the agricultural faculties at three RUFORUM Universities – Makerere University in Uganda, Moi University in Kenya, and Bunda College of Agriculture in Malawi. Particular focus is given to teaching practice, student attachments and postgraduate research, with suggestions on how to improve experiential learning in each of these areas.
Les Universités Africaines organisant la faculté d’Agronomie ont été fortement critiquées de ne pas produire des diplômés possédant les compétences requises pour le marché moderne du travail. L’une des solutions préconisées, recommandée à ce problème, est l’utilisation remarquable des approches d’apprentissage expérientiel. Après une brève introduction à la théorie sur l’apprentissage expérientiel, le présent article décrit les pratiques dans les facultés d’agronomie de trois universités du RUFORUM - Université de Makerere en Ouganda, Université Moi au Kenya et Collège Agronomique de Bunda au Malawi. Une attention particulière est donnée pour la pratique pédagogique, les attachements des étudiants et la recherche postuniversitaire, avec des suggestions sur la façon d’améliorer l’apprentissage expérientiel dans chacun de ces domaines.
Language: 
English
Extended abstracts submitted under Strengthening S&T Capacity in Africa
Date of publication: 
2012
Country: 
Region Focus: 
East Africa
Author/Editor(s): 
Collection: 
RUFORUM Conferences and Workshops
Licence conditions: 
Open Access
Access restriction: 
Form: 
Printed resource
Publisher: 
ISSN: 
E_ISSN: 
Edition: 
Notes: 

The 2012 RUFORUM Biennial Conference is the third in the series. The main objective of the Biennial conferences is to provide a platform for agricultural research for development stakeholders in Africa and beyond to actively exchange findings and experiences, while at the same time learning lessons towards improving performance of the agricultural sector and ultimately people’s livelihoods. The biennial conference is RUFORUM’s most comprehensive meeting for the diversity of stakeholers in agriculture. It is especially dedicated to graduate students and their supervisors, grantees in RUFORUM member universities and alumni. It is a platform for peer review, quality control, mentorship, networking and shared learning. The third Biennial Conference was attended by 657 participants.This record contains an extended abstract accepted under the theme of strengthening S&T capacity in Africa