Temidayo Popoola - From Research to Training: Improving Hands-on Approach to Learning
Feedback from the workplace shows that more than 70% of the students find it difficult to integrate themselves quickly into operational tasks and duties at the forecast offices in Nigeria. The study develops a case-based learning approach to help trainee forecasters with limited practical experience build competencies and capabilities relevant to the workplace. The study also highlights the importance of collaboration in research and education & training.
Our findings show that 79% of the trainee forecasters prefer a case-based learning approach to the traditional approach. Of these, 72% are from Nigeria, while others are from The Gambia. Also, 82% out of the 79% strongly agreed that case studies show how the understanding of the synoptic drivers aids in the forecasting of high impact weather and prepare them better for the task of an Aeronautical Meteorological Forecaster (AMF). Overall, 93% recommended the continuation of a case-based learning approach.
Through this research, WMO RTC Lagos will further promote the use of a hands-on learning approach, especially a case-based approach. Other meteorological institutions may also consider the case-based method as an alternative to the traditional learning approach. Also, the analysis presented in this study will convey valuable information for future research that will explore the various benefits of the hands-on learning approach.