Centre for Mathematics Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has rolled out a training for Junior Secondary School teachers to address gaps in implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum.
This teaching and learning gaps observed are in terms of the interpretation of the CBC designs for Grade 8 and implementation to realise learner-centered pedagogies.
Through the training, the state agency targets to equip 9,595 teachers assigned Pre-Technical studies, Agriculture and Nutrition with pedagogical content knowledge to support the transition of 60 per cent of Junior Secondary learners to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway in senior schools.
The teachers being trained are drawn from all the 47 counties with the training being carried out in selected venues in Kisumu, Machakos and Nakuru.
They are being trained on inquiry based learning, innovative teaching and learning activities, lesson planning and integration of ICT in teaching based on curriculum designs for Grade 8.
Other areas of training include rationalisation of the implemented curriculum, enhancement of professional growth by enacting communities of practice and integration of mentorship and career guidance.
According to Nyanza Regional Director of Education Lawrence Karuntimi, the beneficiaries are expected to cascade the training to their respective counties.
Karuntimi said the training was timely to respond to gaps in the pedagogical content knowledge.
He said this was critical to establish a strong foundation in STEM education under the new curriculum.
"The Ministry of Education is committed to supporting CEMASTEA’s intervention programmes to address inequities in STEM education and achieve a level playing field for learners," he assured in a speech read on his behalf by Dickson Ogonya.
The official added that the model being promoted through the training was critical to ensure active learner engagement and inclusion.
He stressed that 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.
"As the Ministry of Education, we are keen on integrating ICT in Junior Secondary Schools which is set to create innovative learning experiences and in turn promote STEM education in the country," Ogonya said.
He added that the need to integrate technology in learning in the contemporary fast-paced digital era, has become increasingly important in order to capture and sustain the attention-span of the 21st century learner.
