The Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has rolled out training for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to build their capacity for effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Through the initiative, the State agency targets to equip some 9,595 teachers assigned Pre-Technical studies, Agriculture and Nutrition with pedagogical content knowledge to support the transition of 60 per cent of JSS learners to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway in Senior School (SS).
The training has been designed to address teaching and learning gaps observed in JSS in terms of the interpretation of the CBC designs at Grade 8 and implementation to realize learner-centered pedagogies.
The teachers drawn from all the 47 counties are being trained on Inquiry Based learning (IBL), Innovative Teaching and Learning Activities, and Lesson Planning and Integration of ICT in Teaching based on curriculum designs for Grade 8.
Other areas include enhancement of professional growth by enacting communities of practice, rationalization of the implemented curriculum, and integration of mentorship and career guidance.
Beneficiaries of the training being carried out at selected venues in Kisumu, Machakos and Nakuru are expected to cascade the training to their respective counties.
Nyanza Regional Director of Education (RDE) Lawrence Karuntimi said the training was timely to respond to gaps in the pedagogical content knowledge.
In a speech read on his behalf by Dickson Ogonya, the RDE said the intervention is critical to establishing a strong foundation in STEM education under the new curriculum.
The Ministry of Education (MoE), he said, is committed to supporting CEMASTEA’s intervention programmes to address inequities in STEM education and achieve a level playing field for learners.
The model being promoted through the training, he said, is critical to ensure active learner engagement and inclusion.
“The use of learner-centered teaching and learning approaches such as problem-based, project-based and inquiry-based pedagogies have shown to equip learners for the dynamic world,” he said.
He added that the MoE is keen on integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in JSS to create innovative learning experiences and in turn promote STEM education in the country.
“In the contemporary fast-paced digital era, the need to integrate technology in learning has become increasingly important in order to capture and sustain the attention span of the 21st century learner,” he said.
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By Fredrick Odiero
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