The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has been charged with the responsibility of implementing the pilot Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) which is a model of Lesson study whose purpose is to address teaching and learning challenges by a group of teachers using research based approach in three primary schools in Nairobi, Machakos and Kajiado counties.

The aim of the inaugural workshop is to train mathematics and science teachers from the schools on this model of lesson study. The one-week training is on from August 19-23, 2019 at CEMASTEA.

The official opening of the workshop was presided over by Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa- HSC, Director CEMASTEA who lauded JICA for the immense human and material investment it has given the institution. She reiterated that as a result of such collaborations, CEMASTEA has increased its national and international visibility. Mrs. Akatsa further called upon the ‘pilot’ schools and CEMASTEA to maximise the opportunity to ensure the success of the project which will be implemented countrywide.

The workshop is being conducted by lesson study experts from Japan led by Dr. AkihikoTakahashi, a lead researcher on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR). CLR is a model of lesson study whose purpose is to address teaching and learning challenges by a group of teachers using a research approach.

 Mrs Jacinta Akatsa- HSC, Director CEMASTEA speaking to participants during the opening ceremony

Dr. AkihikoTakahashi, a lead researcher on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) facilitating a session

Mr. Makoba Kizito, Dean Biology Department CEMASTEA giving his remarks during the opening ceremony

During the week long training, participants’ will be taken through

1. Issues in mathematics and science teaching and learning
2. Establishing lesson research theme
3. Deep examination of teaching and learning materials
   
4. Lesson Designing

Closing Ceremony

While speaking to the participants during the closing ceremony of the week-long training on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) Model of Lesson Study at CEMASTEA led by Dr. AkihikoTakahashi, a lead researcher from Japan. Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa Director CEMASTEA advised the participants to take it up upon themselves to not only reach out the learners but also to their colleagues as they play the advocacy role in lesson study. She further encouraged them to have confidence in sharing what they have been trained on.

Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa Director CEMASTEA  speaking to the participants during the closing ceremony of the week-long training on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) Model of Lesson Study

She appreciated the Government of Japan through Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) for the support and training on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) Model of Lesson Study.                               

On his part, Dr. Akihiko Takahashi stated to the participants that; “every single moment is one life, one chance” and equated it to every single lesson to the learner being a chance and it should be conducted extra-ordinarily.

Dr. Akihiko Takahashi, lead researcher speaking to the participants during the closing ceremony of the week-long training on Collaborative Lesson Research (CLR) Model of Lesson Study

He encouraged the participants to collaborate, communicate, learn and challenge themselves for the learners to have a better future.

Participants engaged in various activities