The Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is dedicated to set up a high quality education system relevant to national needs and critical for economic and social development. MoHE is encouraging faculty members to strengthen their research capability with emphasis on science and technology.Established in 1986, Balkh University is the third largest university in Afghanistan, which offers different fields of study. Balkh University has included the staff development program as one of the main activities in the university in order to strengthen the quality of its faculty members.
In response to the request of theAIT-BU (Balkh University) partnership project, AIT Consulting was requested to assist in organizing the professional development program on Research and Teaching Methodologies for fourteen faculty members from the Faculty of Engineering. The training which was held on 1 – 14 August 2012 aimed to enhance the participants’ capability on teaching methodologies and the key issues and concepts of the research process and to enhance their knowledge and skills in developing and conducting research in areas of engineering and sciences.
The programs used a variety of training methods, combining interactive lectures with a balance of participatory learning techniques such as small group discussion, brainstorming, demonstration, observation, project work, case studies, and hands-on practices. Field visits to Kasetsart University, Mahidol University and Thailand Science Park (NSTDA) were also incorporated to observe best practices. Resource persons and facilitators for the training courses were drawn from AIT, prominent academic institutions, and training institutions in Thailand.
