Borlaug Higher Education for Agricultural Research and Development

Innovation Coach

Zione Kalumikiza

Project

Deployment of a problem-solving-centered teaching and learning approach using the Teach-Think-Pair-Share model for increased skilling among Agricultural students

Summary of the Problem 

The current teaching approach used within Ugandan universities has left graduate students lacking the critical skills fundamental for their future. Specifically, innovations in teaching agriculture in a dominantly agrarian economy are much needed; and these ought to be streamlined at the course content delivery stage. At CAES the traditional teaching method has used the teaching and learning approach of direct instruction: one teacher leads classroom instruction in a lecture-based format. This method does not consider the contribution of students in innovating and obtaining solutions to problems, skills required for today’s job market and pressing global challenges. The traditional learning approach of a lecturer-led teaching model must shift to include innovative approaches to meet the pressing needs of the community, with further emphasis on addressing problems facing the agricultural economy .

Description of the Innovation

The overall mission of this project is for students to leave University as  have highly motivated professionals able to influence communities and lead entrepreneurship innovations. The innovation will contribute to the University’s teaching and learning approach in agriculture by emphasizing problem-centered learning that involves students, lecturers and agro-based entrepreneurs. The innovative teaching method uses the Teach-Think-Pair-Share Model. The Model is introduced as a new mode of learning where the course content includes a field based diagnosis of limitations to production and marketing patterns in agriculture across the country. Topical issues are taught, and much emphasis is placed on the exposure of students to relevant agricultural systems.

Students will be trained in advanced research techniques and encouraged to analyze current problem-solving processes originating from different origins, including outside of academia and Uganda. Independent thinking and decision making amongst students will be emphasized to foster future self-driven and self-employed experts. In the model, teaching (Teach) is blended with a weekly topical problem or issue that is pressing in selected communities. Problem analysis through joint student debates for practical solutions (think) is fronted. The practical solutions are discussed within paired teams (pair) and common solutions shared (share) with the class members and lecturers for a harmonized solution to the problem.

Design Team Members

• Dick Kamuganga, Economist and President of the Uganda National Farmers’ Federation
• Prof. Twaha Basamba, Soil Scientist and CAES Associate Professor
• Drake Mubiru, Principal Scientist at NARO