Teaching the Youth and Adults through Education with Production: The Case Study of Tiger Kloof Educational Institution

Abstract

Education plays a pivotal role in teaching people in society so that they can bring about changes in their own lives and that of their communities. The types of education that are provided by various educational institutions across the world are mostly theoretical which makes it difficult for learners to apply the knowledge they acquire in practical ways. The outcomes-based education (OBE) approach which a lot of countries are applying in recent times places emphasis on learning outcomes that ensure that learners acquire skills, attitudes, knowledge and values that can be applied in various life situations. The founders of Tiger Kloof Educational Institution over 100 years ago applied the principle of education with production in teaching their learners who happened to be the youth and adults. When the school was re-opened in 1995 after its closure for over 25 years, academic and a few vocational subjects have been introduced as well as practical productive activities such as plumbing, carpentry, brick laying as well as the raising of vegetable gardens and rearing of cattle. The school is involved in a lot of practical and productive activities in generating funds and producing some of the food that is used to feed the students in the boarding house. The qualitative method using interviews was used to ascertain how the concept is being applied at Tiger Kloof. The study found the practice viable and recommends if for adoption in other educational institutions across Africa.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p607