Reply To: General Discussion
Adewale Olusegun OBADINA, I have read through and downloaded all the attached documents which are highly educative and focused directly on the Africa HEIs challenges. I have challenges in watching and listening to the videos (Private Video. Sorry, you don’t have permission to watch). May be I would have gotten more information through the videos (I need help to overcome the challenges).
Responses to Prof. O.B. Oyewole first set of questions:
a. What is the current approach to teaching and learning in Africa?
The current approach to teaching and learning in most HEIs in Africa is teacher-centered.
b. What are the demerits of the current approach to teaching and learning in Africa?
The current approach to teaching and learning in Africa, focus on passing tests based on a huge syllabus, and not understanding the techniques and skills that are required to find answers. The learning process is thus severely devalued.
It also focused almost exclusively on the clan or tribe and hardly prepared its recipients for outside contact.
b. What new approach is being proposed?
There is need for shifting to an even more student-centered approach, that’s the facilitator style of teaching. Instead of giving one-directional lectures, a facilitator encourages inquiry-based learning. Students learn by asking questions and discussing real-world case studies.?
c. What are the benefits of the new approach?
It has numerous benefits, including increased engagement and motivation, improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills, greater independence, and personalized learning, it boosts confidence in learners and encourages them to apply and advance their knowledge and skill set.
d. What will it take to re-calibrate African professors and learners for the new approach to teaching and learning in Africa?
There is need for professional development opportunities for professors which should be provided through: (i) organization of professional development workshops for faculty and tutors, (ii) establishment of professional learning communities for faculty and tutors. There is also need for redesigning of content in HEIs curriculum; restructuring the timetable to allow more structured opportunities for teaching using student-centered approach, and integrating student-centered approach into the curriculum across all subjects.
f. What roles do digitalization have to play in the new approach to teaching and learning in Africa?
Digitalization tools enable students to collaborate, exchange ideas, solve problems together, and develop communication skills. This is particularly important in the context of collaborative learning, where students may be located in different places and interact virtually. It can also increase student engagement and helps students work through difficult concepts with multiple resources. Digitalization will also saves time and money and students no longer have to buy or rent large volumes of textbooks just to use about 30% of them before the information is no longer relevant.
Best Regards
OBADINA Adewale Olusegun
Federal University of Agriculture,
Abeokuta, Nigeria
