The Challenge of Teaching Technology in a Developing Nation

Educators must know their students' backgrounds to effectively increase their knowledge and skills. In determining the best delivery approach, educators must also understand the "market" in which their students will likely work after their formal education. While many students from developing countries attend universities in developed countries, which offer a wealth of knowledge and skills training in a variety of fields, it is important to be informed about education "within" the environment of developing countries. In this article, the author examines the education of industrial technology educators in Kenya. He brings to light some of the challenges faced by career and technical education (CTE) departments in developing countries. He hopes that his fellow professional technical educators can use his study to understand challenges in developing countries--and perhaps devise ways to assist and support their colleagues in other nations.