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oa An argument for the practice of evidence-based teaching in engineering education for developing countries with focus on Nigerian universities
- Publisher: Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press)
- Source: QScience Proceedings, Engineering Leaders Conference 2014 on Engineering Education, Aug 2015, Volume 2015, 26
Abstract
The global and national challenges of the educational sector and the shifting paradigms in education necessitates far-reaching changes to engineering education, especially in late-emerging economies like Nigeria. While changes in engineering education are taking place in most advanced and some emerging countries; the situation in most developing countries, especially Nigeria seems unchanged. Thus, there are concerns and persistent calls by researchers for a review of engineering education globally and in Nigeria. The issues range from poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, brain-drain, industrial actions, etc. The way and manner engineering education is taught was identified as one of major concern to some researchers as well. Consequently, we suggest that engineering education adopt the evidence-based teaching (EBT) as part of the bouquet of solutions to the problems. EBT approach involves the use of scientifically-based research to guide educational decisions regarding teaching and learning approaches, strategies, and interventions to teaching. The aim of this discourse is primarily to heighten faculty members' awareness of EBT in an effort to help them improve their teaching practices and thereby enhance their students' learning, thinking, and analytical skills as well as their motivation for, and enjoyment of learning. Ultimately, we hope to advance the practice of EBT in engineering education that will lead to work ready engineers within the current global contexts.