Lessons Learned in Structuring Postgraduate Education ACE II Technical and Advisory Meeting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 28 April 2017 Rita H Mumm, PhD Founding Director, Illinois Plant Breeding Center, University of Illinois, USA Education and Training Lead, USAID Soybean Innovation Lab, University of Illinois Curriculum consultant, Plant Breeding E-learning for Africa (PBEA), Iowa State University Director, UC Davis African Plant Breeding Academy Principal, GeneMax Services Trustee, CIMMYT ritamumm@Illinois.edu

Key elements of postgraduate education in scientific areas Course curriculum Apprenticeship 3. External influence

Course curriculum: Design Define core competencies (level of mastery) Design a portfolio of courses (and accompanying exercises) to prepare students to achieve the target level of mastery Invite input Top educators worldwide Prospective employers Pursuit of excellence Review existing programs to identify gaps Consider balance of foundational principles and exposure to latest technologies Structured vs. customized coursework plan for students

Course curriculum: Creation Explore resources available e.g. Plant Breeding E-learning for Africa (PBEA) e-curriculum for MSc students in plant breeding https://pbea.agron.iastate.edu/ Identify tools and texts to be shared with students Role of partnerships Faculty professional development and mentorship e.g. African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA) http://pba.ucdavis.edu/PBA_in_Africa/

Course curriculum: Implementation Faculty mentorship Evaluation What does this look like? How does it guide continued program improvements?

Apprenticeship Research component of the program to train students in the ‘how-to’ of scientific investigations Includes many aspects of research implementation that are not covered by coursework! Publication of thesis research in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals to share results with scientific community

Apprenticeship: Examples of educational models Faculty member proposes, leads, and secures funding for the research Student chooses faculty advisor based on research area/project Coursework plan is customized to specialization Student learns from topical expert Vital, problem-solving research is the backbone of the program Recruitment of gifted students is a priority May enhance job opportunities after graduation Model 2 Students propose their own thesis research project, often addressing a problem at their employing institution and supported financially by the employer Faculty advisor supervises but does not lead research Research learnings may be limited Places more emphasis on adding value in the workplace

Apprenticeship Strategize as to how student research advances the ACE as a premier research institution for long-term sustainability!

External influences Expose students to new technologies, approaches, industrial scale Internships with private sector or advanced research institutes Student exchange with partners Visiting scholars Seminars by world-class experts Participation/contribution at key conferences (posters, presentations) other?

Key elements of postgraduate education in scientific areas, goals, and outcomes Course curriculum: building knowledge base and skill sets Apprenticeship: learn ‘how-to’ in rich detail to put concepts into action toward specific targets External influence: expand thinking, promote a creative mindset, broaden professional network

Key elements of postgraduate education in scientific areas, goals, and outcomes Develop working knowledge and skill sets Course curriculum: building knowledge base and skill sets Apprenticeship: learn ‘how-to’ in rich detail to put concepts into action toward specific targets External influence: expand thinking, promote a creative mindset, broaden professional network Demonstrate mastery of core competencies Inspire innovation and cultivate problem-solving skills

African Centers of EXCELLENCE

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him how to catch fish and you feed him for a lifetime” Phase coined by Anne Isabella Ritchie, the daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray, in a story titled “Mrs. Dymond” written in the 1880s http://www.phrases.org.uk/

…Instruct the trainers of fisherman and you change a nation. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him how to catch fish and you feed him for a lifetime” …Instruct the trainers of fisherman and you change a nation. Phase coined by Anne Isabella Ritchie, the daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray, in a story titled “Mrs. Dymond” written in the 1880s http://www.phrases.org.uk/