1. 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

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

3. 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

4. Course curriculum: Creation
Explore resources available
e.g. Plant Breeding E-learning for Africa (PBEA) e-curriculum for MSc students in plant breeding
Identify tools and texts to be shared with students
Role of partnerships
Faculty professional development and mentorship
e.g. African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA)

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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?

10. 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

11. 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

12. African Centers of EXCELLENCE

13. “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

14. …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