AURA e-Newsletter Issue 1, January 2016

The African Universities' Research Approaches (AURA) Programme is pleased to announce a monthly e-Newsletter. Catch up on  all the latest information and updates concerning our work. Also get more information on how to access all our online learning resources.



What to expect in Issue 1:

• News on the AURA Research One (R1) Intervention - the first of the research capacity interventions (focusing on research philosophy, epistemology and research orientations) which 
  was took place at Strathmore University and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) during September to November 2015.
• Information about AURA Research Two (R2) Intervention - the second of the research courses; this one focuses on researcher-led (analytical) research methods.
• An update on the Researchers of the future, Regional Learning Event which took place online in November 2015.
• Highlights of the Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN) December 2015, where AURA was represented in Ethiopia.

Also the e-newsletter will give you more information about AURA's learning management system where you can find a variety of resources including lesson plans, videos, presentations and handouts.

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Teaching and Learning: Which way to go in Africa?

Teaching and Learning in Africa: Is there a connection with poverty eradication?

There has been a silent revolution in teaching and learning methods over recent years throughout the world. While the more developed countries have been quicker to adopt new methods and new technologies in teaching and learning, from apprenticeship to digital methods, it has been more of a roller-coaster experience for other parts of the world.  Large populations in the developing world, particularly in Africa, for example, continue to invest and to use traditional teaching methodologies that are passive and do not permit unhindered critical thinking so are likely to miss out on new methods and new technologies in teaching and learning.

While this is, perhaps, common knowledge, the many problems that afflict the developing world have never really been extensively interrogated, or possible recommendations to redirect donor or partner resources into efforts that would promote these new learning methodologies. New knowledge may then translate into an ability to address common maladies, like poverty and disease, in a cheaper and a more sustainable manner.

GKEN4AFRICA 5th International Multidisciplinary Conference and Workshop, Addis Ababa, December 2015

The recent Global Knowledge Exchange Network (GKEN) workshop held in the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in December 2015 had  a stimulating theme that interrogated knowledge and innovation. A multidisciplinary galaxy of academics from around the world, who are originally African, gave a good exposition of issues which through new methods of learning and research may drive a paradigm shift in this continent.

The African Universities' Research Approaches (AURA) programme, through a rigorous scientific process, is determined to explore these new possibilities of enhancing teaching and learning and increasing capacity in research.

These are definitely the game changers in our New Africa.  Watch this space!

Dr. Kahiga Titus Muhu specializes in Clinical Pharmacy.  He is a Lecturer at Kenyatta University,School of Medicine, Nairobi, Kenya.