Bionics of Learning in Technical and Vocational Education: A Neuro-Cognitive Approach to Instructional Design in Sub-Saharan Africa

Bionics of Learning in Technical and Vocational Education: A Neuro-Cognitive Approach to Instructional Design in Sub-Saharan Africa | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Bionics of Learning in Technical and Vocational Education: A Neuro-Cognitive Approach to Instructional Design in Sub-Saharan Africa FAITH MUTHEU MUNYALO This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9028621/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems are under increasing pressure to deliver instruction that aligns with the dynamic nature of human cognition. Despite efforts to enhance TVET delivery, learners frequently experience cognitive overload and rapid memory decay regarding abstract technical concepts. This study explores the integration of “bionics of learning”—a biomimetic instructional design approach—within the Don Bosco Tech Africa (DBTA) network. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, primary data was collected from TVET instructors and learners (N = 109) across Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. Quantitative analysis of learner cognitive engagement revealed strong positive correlations between multi-sensory instruction and spaced repetition (r = 0.68), as well as chunking and sustained engagement (r = 0.58). Natural Language Processing (NLP) of qualitative data highlighted a severe pedagogical dichotomy, wherein abstract theoretical instruction induced cognitive overload, whereas embodied, practical execution facilitated robust memory encoding. The findings advocate for a paradigm shift from static, transmission-based curricula to neuro-adaptive, bio-inspired learning environments that mimic the adaptive feedback loops found in natural biological systems. Educational Psychology Bionic Learning Cognitive Load Theory TVET Neuro-adaptive Instruction Biomimicry Educational Neuroscience. Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Full Text Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Supplementary Files Thesis.pdf Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9028621","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":600518778,"identity":"078845e7-44b7-4d16-8cf2-9c634f9be0eb","order_by":0,"name":"FAITH MUTHEU 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