My former school, Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) in Takoradi, has the moto, Mente et Manu. Meaning, Head and Hand.
The colonial founders of the school, must have identified the training of the head, which I would interpret as the theory of pedagogy, in academia, vis – a -vis, the hand, the practice of the theory, as vital. What do we see in reality?
I have been wondering about the gapping void between academic theory and manufacturing.
Does it call for a change in teaching methods? Or re-alignment of the classroom and industry?
I have a simple suggestion; after each lesson in say, science, mathematics, and all subjects requiring practical usage of the lesson(s). The practical lessons must be made to follow the classroom teaching.
Regular visits to corresponding industries in line with the classroom lessons, would be advantageous. Am tempted to suggest that, practical applications may be shown before the theory, to emphasise it’s importance.
I wrote to Professor Kwame Nkum of KNUST asking these same questions. Professor Nkum was my school mate in GSTS. He is with the School of Engineering. Here was his reply to my enquiry:
“Thank you, Snr. Kekrebesi, my former School Prefect. Your suggestion is excellent. We’ve been trying to link the theory with the application. Well said, sir. We’ll improve on our teaching.”
So I have a Professorial endorsement to my worries and fears. The story was different, some years ago. Students from KNUST, were manufacturing traffic lights and many other items.
So what went wrong? Is it the emphasis being given to non – science subjects? KNUST used to be University of Science and Technology, according to its name. Now humanity and liberal art study faculties have dwarfed the growth of science faculties.
The reason being that the University makes quick income from these non – science and non -technical studies. Science and Technical students are in short supply while most undergrads, apply for the proverbial easier reading courses.
We are fixated with theoretical academic games, like Science and Maths Quiz, while practical project works for students are not on the front burner of our academic plans.
In this way, competitions like, science and math quiz, may be made, more meaningful to the students’ upbringing. Science Projects must be brought in to the competition. Einstein once said, innovation is better than knowledge.
By WG CDR Kwaku Kekrebesi (RTD), a Pilot, formerly of the Ghana Armed Forces
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
