Assessing the impact of the amatrol training programme on teaching and learning of engineering in polytechnics in Ghana (a case study of takoradi polytechnic)

Abstract

The research looked at the impact of the AMATROL Training Programme on teaching and Learning of Engineering in Polytechnics in Ghana (with Takoradi Polytechnic as a case study) since its introduction from 2012. The objectives were to examine the perception of students and lecturers towards the AMATROL Training Programme; to identify the challenges, associated with the use of the AMATROL Training Programme, to the students and the lecturers and to identify the benefits AMATROL Training Programme brings to the students and lecturers in their learning and teaching respectively. Random sampling and stratified sampling techniques was employed to select the students and lecturers. A structured questionnaire was developed, pretested and administered to a sample of 280 and 25 in respect of students and lecturers respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The study showed that both students and lecturers accept the Training Programme as good for engineering training. The study also found out that there was inadequate time allocated for the AMATROL Training Programme. More Technicians are needed to be engaged to support the lecturers, since most lecturers find it difficult without the help of technicians in using the laboratories for teaching. The study further showed that the laboratories were not fully utilized in training programmes for students and could therefore be used for training those in the industries as well. Based on the findings from the study, it is recommended that for the AMATROL Training Programme to be more effective there is the need to increase the contact hours’ students spend on the programme. Technicians and Lecturers who are engaged in teaching using the AMATROL should be encouraged with better attractive motivational packages. Furthermore, Government must enact a policy to involve all the Polytechnics involved in technical training to adopt AMATROL Training Programme for training engineering students.