Using Service Learning in an Engineering Program in Ghana

Abstract

For years, some African universities followed the British education system, but this is gradually changing. For example in Ghana, the three terms to the year approach has been changed to the two semester approach. Also, local conditions and the service learning approach are being included in the curricula. This is being done in the Telecommunications Engineering program at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The program is planned such that some student projects for which the students will earn credits will result in products that will supply community needs. The program is therefore community-centered and provides community service. One project using this approach is based on Broadband Powerline Communication (BPL). BPL can be used in electronic learning at schools and to disseminate information to the community at large. It will empower the people and lead to improving their standard of living. It can also help the nation to become a full participant in the global community, while benefitting from the global economy. This paper describes how this project was designed to suit service learning through an experiential teaching method.

Developing an Engineering Curriculum at a Developing University in a Developing Country

“…The UTG students strongly responded to the community based projectsthey were eager to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities, also observed in a service learning program at a university in Ghana. 2 Similar to students from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, 5 prior to the design course UTG students did not see the connection between their studies and the ability to help people in their communities.…”

Developing Model for Cross-cultural Service Learning in Developing Countries

“…Many programs lament the high fundraising requirement of these programs. 13,14 We need to break out of this model! External funding of the projects only continues the cycle of dependency that is so completely entrenched in Gambian society.…”