Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) has embarked on an exciting journey to revolutionize teaching and learning through an intensive institutional pedagogy and competence-based learning training. This initiative is part of the broader UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT) Phase III Project titled “Higher Technical Education in Africa for Technical and Innovative Workforce” being implemented in line with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports requirements.” The world has changed with technological revolutions such as artificial intelligence which necessitate changes in pedagogies of the 21st century” Prof. Nixon Kamukama, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs observed while officially commissioning the training.
Above: Participants paying keen attention
The core aim of the training is to retool and empower MUST’s academic staff with modern pedagogical skills, ensuring that teaching not only informs but transforms. The program is a strategic response to the dynamic needs of the labour market, where traditional approaches to teaching are no longer sufficient to meet the evolving expectations of industries, knowledge-based economy and society at large.
Why the Training?
As the job market becomes more competitive and skill-oriented, higher education institutions are increasingly required to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also competent and innovative. MUST recognizes that to achieve this, educators must themselves be equipped with the latest instructional methods and tools.
Above:Participants working in groups during the training
The ongoing training provides an essential platform for lecturers to re-examine and refresh their approach to curriculum delivery, assessment, inclusivity and digital integration.
Training Objectives
The program is designed to:
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Strengthen faculty knowledge in competence-based and learner-centered teaching methods.
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Enhance curriculum development and review skills tailored to industry needs.
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Introduce innovative student assessment methods focused on skill development.
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Promote gender-sensitive and inclusive teaching practices.
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Build capacity for integrating digital technologies in teaching and learning.
Structured for Impact
The training is delivered through a blended learning model that combines online modules with interactive physical sessions. It spans four weeks and is being rolled out in two phases, each with two distinct faculty cohorts. In Phase One, participants from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS) and the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) are taking part.
Phase Two will include Faculty of Medicine (FOM) and Faculty of Science (FOS). Participants are undergoing hands-on modules facilitated by a distinguished team of academic experts that include academic staff that were trained as Trainers of Trainees (TOT) during the pilot training. The training covers key areas such as:
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Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
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Gender Inclusive Pedagogy
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ICT and Digital Pedagogy
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21st Century Pedagogies
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Curriculum Design and Implementation
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Competence-based Assessment and Evaluation
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Classroom Management
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Professional Ethics
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Guidance and Counselling
Each module includes assessments and reflective tasks to promote practical application and deep learning. According to the Project Lead and Training Lead Organiser, Dr. Medard Twinamatsiko, “the hands-on pedagogy and competence-based education training shall be faculty and discipline focused in order to integrate the training needs of each faculty. We target to have a pool of academicians that use constructive approaches of training which will yield practical and employable graduates.”
Looking Ahead
The training is not just a one-off event, it is part of a broader institutional shift towards continuous professional development for faculty. As MUST strengthens its pedagogical foundation, the ultimate beneficiaries will be the students, who will enjoy richer learning experiences and graduate better equipped for the world of work.
By embracing this initiative, MUST reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and positions itself as a leading institution in delivering quality, skills-based education that is responsive to national and global development needs.
SUCCEED WE MUST!
