Written by Beatrice Macharia and Winfred Magu, CEMASTEA

CEMASTEA conducted customised training for mathematics and science teachers of Aga Khan High School, Mombasa from March 7^th to 11^th_.  The theme of the training was "Enhancing Effective Learner Involvement through Learner-Centred Pedagogies". The training was planned and implemented remotely by a team of National trainers from CEMASTEA. Some of the sessions facilitated during the training included attitude changes, an introduction to Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), leaner centred teaching practices, leaner management, and Remote learning technologies

In her opening remarks, Director, CEMASTEA, Mrs Jacinta Akatsa noted that performance in mathematics and science subjects lag behind the art and social sciences subjects. Issues that affect performance include; negative attitude, low entry behaviours and poor instructional methods devoid of meaningful learner participation. She lauded the leadership of the Aga Khan High School for valuing the continuous -professional development of its teachers.

The course was motivated by the school's needs and that its content was carefully and purposefully designed to support these needs. She was optimistic that after going through the training, the teachers' ability to practice learner-centred pedagogies for an effective learning process will be enhanced. The Director challenged the teachers to be creative and innovative, use hands-on activities and integrate ICT in teaching and learning. While teachers expect an attitude change in their learners, the director noted that learners often do not know how to do it. "We keep telling students to work hard, but we do not show them how to do it", she remarked. Teachers, she advised could assist learners in identifying topics and subtopics in challenging subjects and plans their revision timetables to reduce students frustration and negative attitude towards STEM subjects.

During the closing ceremony, the school principal, Mrs. Mary Stella Chitechi, thanked CEMASTEA for organising and facilitating the training. She promised that the school would put in place mechanisms to implement lessons learnt. Deputy Director CEMASTEA, Mrs Lydia Muriithi, reminded the participants that a 21st Century teacher must be willing to unlearn, learn, and relearn to meet the learners' needs. Mr Joseph Kuria, CEMASTEA’s Deputy Coordinator, Special Programmes and Student Learning, urged the participants to cascade what they had learnt in their school.

Participants following the proceedings of the closing ceremony