Wright (2011) distinguishes between teacher-centered and student-centered learning approaches along a spectrum of five dimensions: power balance, course content function, teacher and student roles, responsibility for learning, and assessment purposes and processes. Based on Wright’s framework, this study explores students’ perceptions of their experience with teaching methods at Uganda’s Makerere University. Specifically, the investigation uses a mixed-methods research approach that combines survey data with focus group discussions. A total of 82 students volunteered, with 54 returning questionnaires. From among the 54 students, eight were chosen for focus group discussions. Students provided information about course content, educational philosophy, and teaching activities. In the area of course content, students reported that course completion and examination results outweighed skill development. The results for educational philosophy showed that the preparation of compliant citizens took precedence over the development of self-reliant individuals. Finally, the findings for teaching activities indicated that while teacher-centered tasks still predominated, several students had been exposed to some student-centered activities.

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Prior to the colonial period

For a long time, the suitability of the knowledge and values offered in African universities has been a matter of notable controversy, especially in the context of liberalization of university education. This paper reports the findings of a study that was conducted to contribute to discussion on the subject. The study delved into the values transmitted in Universities in Uganda. Data were collected from a sample of 850 respondents who were drawn from faith-based, for-profit and public universities in the country. It was found that material, social/ public, personal and religious values are transmitted to students in the selected universities. This finding is discussed with the conclusion that a valueconstrained university arena is a recipe for many counter values and does not promote true university education.

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