On 5th January 2021, the Vice-chancellor announced to School Deans, at a special Academic Board meeting held at the Main Campus Athi River, that the University will soon be introducing problem-based learning as a new pedagogical approach.

According to the Vice-chancellor, “PBL is a student-centred approach that engages learners in research by taking them to the real world.”

PBL will be implemented from the Office of the Director of Academic Programmes Dr. Samuel Muriithi, with an oversight Board similar to that of the ODEL Directorate

Soon after on 10th January 2021, the Dean, School of Communication Prof. Levi Obonyo convened a meeting with Faculty in the School, both full time and part time lecturers, to break down the Vice-chancellor’s dream and explain what PBL is about.

The meeting was graced by the DVC ARSA, Prof Faith Nguru. She explained that the new mode of learning would enable the learners to use knowledge acquired in the classroom to solve problems of the world.

Prof Nguru lauded the School of Communication for moving swiftly to introduce PBL. She said the University intended to implement PBL as soon as it is practical and was happy that the School of Communication had initiated school level discussions. She encouraged the lecturers to begin incorporating PBL in their course outlines this semester.

Prof. Nguru revealed that the University was organizing training for all Faculty both full time and part time, to be held every Wednesday for one month, starting on Wednesday January 13, 2021. She encouraged all faculty to attend.

Echoing the DVC-ARSA, Prof Obonyo encouraged the dons to start implementing PBL as they teach this semester.

Some Faculty however, revealed that they have been using PBL in their instruction, which was very encouraging. The Dean urged the Faculty to be peer tutors even as training commences.

Prof Nguru said she looked forward to a time when Daystar University would become a Centre of reference in regard to e-Learning and PBL.

 Also present were the Head of Departments, HoD Media and Film Studies, Dr. Beatrice Mbogo, HoD Language and Performing Arts, Ms Brenda Wambua, Ag HoD STOC, Mrs Evonne Kiptennes, Faculty and staff in the Department.