Migrating from subject-based to competency-based training in Higher National Diploma Chemical Engineering: The case of Kumasi Polytechnic

Abstract

Chemical engineering education is currently run in only two institutions in Ghana using the traditional, subject-based approach. The subject-based curriculum currently being used is seen as deficient in preparing students adequately to meet expectations of industry as well as the demands of globalization. Under the National Board for Professional and Technician Examinations of Ghana, competency-based curricula is being developed for Higher National Diploma (HND) engineering programmes in all polytechnics in Ghana, with the support of World Bank and Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education. This paper provides an insight to tertiary education in Ghana and highlights milestones in chemical engineering training. This paper describes the methodology used in developing a competency-based training curriculum for HND chemical engineering. Functional area competency standards expected of HND chemical engineering graduates in Ghana were developed in close collaboration with personnel from industry. In addition, generic competencies expected of all HND engineering graduates in Ghana are outlined in this paper. As is the case in all CBT programmes, there is the need to train and adapt coaches to the CBT concept, in addition to building strong partnerships with industry for the successful implementation of the programme.