adei-ngo.org

5 Principles of Technical Education

Developed together with our partners, the education programmes we stand behind are based on 5 carefully crafted principles of technical education.

 

1. “Learning-by-doing”: Student-centred education using modern learning technologies

Our training programmes are based on a student-centred approach to education, with emphasis on: Hands-on-training where each student learns through real-world industry simulations, fully-equipped classrooms with state-of-the-art learning equipment, 2:1 student/equipment ratio to ensure each student has the opportunity to master each skill.

2. “Best of both”: Local teachers with international skills training

All teachers are hired locally and undergo an intensive 6-month training course led by international experts in the technical, theoretical and pedagogical competencies necessary to teach new technologies. The focus is on skills acquisition and proficiency testing rather than an overemphasis on theory. This is achieved by consistently following three modules:

1) Technical Training: Teachers undergo hands-on training instruction ensuring teachers can teach each lesson and expertly perform a demonstration.

2) Pedagogical Training: Trainers are taught how to base each lesson on a student-centred approach. This means that the teaching style is adapted to the students’ needs, interests, abilities and learning styles.

3) Practical Training: Teachers are brought to the international training academy KIITEC for in-classroom experience. With the aid of a coach, the teachers are provided the opportunity to practice their newly upgraded practical and pedagogical skills.

3. “Filling a Need”: Alignment with domestic labour market demands

At each step of the process we leverage our unique experience in the field to ensure that thorough technical industry needs assessments are conducted to ensure the curriculum is aligned with the labour market demands. Members of our team travel throughout regions in need to forge relations with local industries and determine which skills are most needed. With 100% employment rate as the objective for graduates, each student receives one-to-one mentoring to support their transition into the workforce. A CV writing course and job interview skills training series is conducted annually by our international volunteers.

4. “Doers, not nerds”: Business management and entrepreneurship

Educating skilled and qualified technicians goes beyond the training of basic proficiencies. The curriculum, delivered in English, includes a strong focus on the development of business management and entrepreneurial skills in order to build better-rounded graduates entering the workforce. The education programmes instill a strong sense of discipline that is meant to build and encourage the professionalism needed to prepare each graduate for the workforce.

5. “Meritocracy wins”: Merit-based scholarships for young men and women

Our scholarship programme is based on meritocracy and offers support in tuition, uniforms, education materials and daily lunches, providing the opportunity of education for those who are particularly disadvantaged. We promote equal opportunities for the enrolment of both young men and women. Young women face particular challenges in the technical field, therefore we encourage their success by creating an environment where girls can succeed.