My experience at Atlantic International University (AIU) began in September, 2011 when I was surfing the internet for a good university where I can pursue a degree program in Electrical Engineering. Lo and behold, a publication of AIU admission just popped up on the screen.I considered it as a divine intervention and quickly submitted my profile for consideration.
In October 2011, I received a telephone call from a staff of AIU admission office, from one Madam Liliana Panaranda, to have admission interview with me, which I embraced.The most important day of my life, October 12, 2011 then came, when I received an admission letter from the academic department to pursue a degree program in Electrical Engineering in accordance with AIU andragogy system of learning.Andragogy? What kind of learning system is that?That was the thought which ran through my mind about the newly found vocabulary (andragogy).
I later found out that andragogy is a teaching method in adult educational setting, based on the concept that adult education should be relevant to the individual adult’s profession/trade.This does not only inspire/motivate the adult learner to learn with sincerity in order to solve immediate problems confronting him/her or society at large, but also make optimum use of resources invested in the learning process which is completely different from pedagogy that focuses on teaching/instructing children to acquire head-knowledge which might not be purposeful in meeting immediate life challenges.
Most universities offer courses that are not relevant to the area that the student wants to specialize.For example, students pursuing a program in Business Administration are obliged to take a course in computer networking, an engineering discipline, which might not be used at all or underutilized in day to day activities of a business administrator.
Similarly, students pursuing engineering program are made to take a course in religious studies which is absolutely irrelevant in engineering practices. Andragogy system of teaching/instructing should therefore be considered not only for teaching in adult educational settings but also be the bedrock of specialization in every discipline.
My experience at AIU with regard to the course work was challenging throughout the various phases of the program due the fact that I have to combine commercial and academic activities. This notwithstanding, all my tutors gave me the needed support at any time I was in a difficult situation, especially Madam Nadia Bailey and Mr. Edward Lambert, who have played a major role in my achievements at AIU.My advisors were readily available to guide me to achieve the ultimate, Mr. Jorge Vasconcelos-Santillan, my expert advisor, was fantastic throughout the program.Madam Linda Collazo was very instrumental in my achievements.
The finance department had patience for me when I was in financial difficulties and collaborated with bank of Ghana to ensure that all payments made were properly recorded to ensure continuity in my studies at AIU.
In conclusion, I will like to commend the management of AIU for a good work done in terms of academic and administrative structures that have made it possible for people who cannot pay tuition fee outright, to also have the opportunity to develop themselves.
Yours faithfully,
Joseph Daddy.
