The age distribution of students is a crucial aspect of the study because it can shed light on the age diversity within the engineering education sector. The
majority of students are between the ages of 20 and 25 (34.9%), followed by those between 31 and 35 (20.3%), 26 to 30 (19.5%), 40 to 45 (12.9%), 46 to 50 (7.1%),
and those under 20 (5.9%). There is the need to grasp the age distribution of engineering students in order to comprehend the age diversity in engineering education. The age distribution results are essentially as expected, given that engineering students typically begin their studies at a younger age, such as immediately after high school or in their early twenties.
Surprisingly, the relatively high proportion of students in the 31-35 and 40- 45 age brackets, which may indicate that a substantial number of students pursue engineering education later in life. This finding could be due to a variety of factors, including career changes, delayed entry due to financial constraints, and the pursuit of additional degrees. Prior research has demonstrated that non-traditional students can contribute valuable experiences and perspectives to the classroom, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all students (e.g., Kasworm, 2010). The research findings disclose a diverse age distribution among mechanical engineering students at technical universities in Ghana. As students of varying ages can offer unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom, this diversity may contribute to a richer educational experience. Future research could investigate the factors that affect the age distribution of students and the effects of age diversity on educational outcomes and the engineering profession. In addition, it would be advantageous to investigate the necessary support systems and strategies for accommodating students of various ages in engineering education.
Share with your friends: |