It is common knowledge that some graduates in Nigeria find the courses they studied irrelevant in the labour market. The choice of today’s topic was necessitated by this fact and by some hilarious comments I read on different social media platforms. Comments like, I’m yet to understand the importance of the cockroaches I drew and labelled during my high school days. A mechanical engineer that takes his car to a local mechanic, is that one a mechanic? And many others…There is a clamour for graduates to supplement their studies with skills acquisition to enhance their chances of survival especially in Nigeria. It dawns on us, the need to strike a balance between the theoretical and practical learning, to keep up with the present economic dispensation where survival is based on what you can do rather than what you can write. It is safe to suggest a total overhaul of some courses offered in our higher institutions that are no longer relevant in this present economic circumstance.
Let’s take a look at this story
In a small village in Southern India, there was a young boy named Raj who had just completed his high school education. Raj was a brilliant student, always scoring top grades in his exams. He had always been interested in science and technology, and had a great passion for learning about the world around him.
After completing his high school education, Raj decided to enroll in a prestigious engineering college in the city. He was excited to learn about the latest advancements in technology and to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
However, things didn’t go as planned for Raj. Despite his excellent academic record, he found it difficult to keep up with the fast-paced environment of the engineering college. The professors would often use technical jargon that he couldn’t understand, and he found it difficult to apply the theoretical concepts he learned in class to real-world scenarios.
One day, while Raj was visiting his village during the holidays, he met an old man named Ram who was renowned in the village for his carpentry skills. Raj was amazed at how skilled Ram was in his craft, and he was curious to learn more.
Ram noticed Raj’s interest and offered to teach him some basic carpentry skills. Raj was hesitant at first, thinking that carpentry had nothing to do with his engineering studies. But he decided to give it a try, thinking that he might learn something useful.
Over the next few weeks, Raj spent most of his time with Ram, learning how to use various tools and techniques to create beautiful wooden objects. At first, he struggled with the practical aspects of carpentry, but he soon began to appreciate the value of practical knowledge beyond theoretical learning.
Raj realized that theoretical knowledge was important, but it was not enough to solve real-world problems. He learned that practical knowledge helped him to understand how things worked in the real world, and how to solve problems that were not covered in his textbooks.
When Raj returned to college after the holidays, he was a changed person. He was no longer intimidated by the technical jargon used by his professors, and he was able to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios with ease. He even surprised his professors by presenting practical solutions to complex problems that were not covered in their textbooks.
In the end, Raj realized that practical knowledge was just as important as theoretical learning, if not more. He learned that practical knowledge helped him to develop problem-solving skills, and it gave him the confidence to tackle challenges that he would have otherwise found daunting. And he knew that he had Ram to thank for this valuable lesson.
LET‘S TALK
The debate on the importance of practical knowledge beyond theoretical learning has been a contentious topic for many years. While some argue that theoretical learning is sufficient for preparing individuals for real-life situations, others believe that practical knowledge is equally important, if not more so. In this essay, we will discuss the relevance of practical knowledge beyond theoretical learning.
Theoretical learning is undoubtedly important as it provides the foundation for understanding various concepts and principles. However, it is limited in its ability to prepare individuals for real-life situations. Theoretical learning is based on abstract ideas and concepts that are not always applicable in practical situations. Therefore, practical knowledge is necessary to bridge the gap between theory and real-life situations.
One of the primary advantages of practical knowledge is that it provides hands-on experience. This experience enables individuals to develop the necessary skills and expertise required to perform specific tasks. For example, a medical student may learn about a surgical procedure in theory, but it is only through practical experience that they can learn the intricacies of performing the procedure. Practical knowledge is particularly important in fields such as medicine, engineering, and architecture, where hands-on experience is essential.
Another advantage of practical knowledge is that it enhances problem-solving skills. In real-life situations, individuals often encounter unexpected problems and challenges that require quick thinking and improvisation. Practical knowledge enables individuals to think critically and find practical solutions to these problems. This ability to problem-solve is crucial not only in professional settings but also in everyday life.
Practical knowledge also helps individuals to develop better communication skills. In real-life situations, individuals often have to work in teams, collaborate with colleagues and interact with clients. Practical knowledge enables individuals to develop effective communication skills, which are essential in these situations. Effective communication skills are particularly important in fields such as law, business, and education.
In addition to the advantages outlined above, practical knowledge also helps individuals to develop a sense of confidence and independence. When individuals have practical knowledge, they are more likely to feel confident in their abilities and be independent in their decision-making. This confidence and independence are particularly important in fields such as entrepreneurship, where individuals have to take risks and make decisions independently.
Despite the many advantages of practical knowledge, there are some who argue that theoretical learning is sufficient. They submit that theoretical learning provides individuals with a strong foundation of knowledge that can be applied in a wide range of situations. While this may be true to some extent, it is important to note that practical knowledge is equally important in developing a well-rounded individual who can apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
We should not forget the fact that life evolves and there are lots of changes especially technological advancements which makes what is practiced more relevant than what is read. Thus, the relevance of practical knowledge beyond theoretical learning cannot be overstated. Practical knowledge provides individuals with hands-on experience, enhances problem-solving skills, improves communication skills, and develops a sense of confidence and independence. While theoretical learning is undoubtedly important, practical knowledge is equally important in preparing individuals for real-life situations. It is pertinent to note the ever relevant and professionals courses of today are those that compulsorily inculcate pure practical in their course outline. Courses like Law, Medicine, architecture, IT courses etc are practically inclined.
Therefore, it is essential that individuals strive to develop practical knowledge alongside theoretical learning to become versatile and be able to apply their knowledge to a wide range of situations. Undergraduates should choose a course that aligns with practical life. Life in theory is meaningless without practicals!
Amara Ann Unachukwu
