Dr. Justine Namaalwa

Innovation Coach

Prof Andy Safalaoh

Dr. NamaalwaProject Title 

Learner-centered and work-integrated training in environmental science and management

Summary of the Problem

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) currently implements largely an instructor-based approach of teaching, characterized by limited co-teaching and co-generation of knowledge with learners, instructors, practitioners and industry. This has resulted in most of the students graduating with limited skills, knowledge, expertise and attitude as compared to the expectations of the employers. This has been evidenced from the feedback during stakeholder engagements including curriculum reviews and internship placements. Further, the students who enroll for graduate students often cite this as one of the reasons for seeking advanced education.

Description of the Innovation

This project will make adjustments in the approaches of training and delivering of the courses in the Department by applying ‘learning through problem- solving’, ‘curiosity driven inquiry’, experiential learning and ‘theory improvement inquiry' with academic staff and practitioners as facilitators. With Learner-centered and work-integrated learning approaches, learners will be able to focus on creating market-driven solutions that are responsive to the needs of industry, and also build their capacity for self-employment. This will also help in deconstructing the common perception that academic institutions are less-responsive to the national and global challenges because of the limitations faced by the graduates to innovate solutions. As a result, we expect this innovation to produce graduates that are equipped with knowledge, skills and attitude that shall enable them to innovatively address national and global challenges within the environmental sector. The graduates will thus be in position to innovatively contribute to the development and use systems that respond to currently experienced challenges and take into consideration environmental protection.

Design Team Members

  • Kenneth Balikoowa, Coordinator of Research Engagements, CAES
  • Faridah Nalwanga, Coordinator of Internship Engagements, CAES
  • Fred Yikii, Co-ordinators of Graduate Studies (MSc & PhD) CAES
  • Ellen Kayendeke, Co-ordinators of Graduate Studies (MSc & PhD), CAES
  • Anthony Egeru, Co-ordinators of Graduate Studies, CAES
  • Patrick Byakagaba, School Internship Co-ordinator, CAES
  • Betty Ezati, Senior Lecturer, Department of Science and Technical Education, CEES
  • Jerome S. Lugumira, Natural Resources Mangers in charge of Soils and Lands, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
  • Simon Nampindo, Executive Director, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
  • Najib B. Lukoya, Deputy Director, Sanitation and Environment, Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA)