By PKogolla/WMagu /Blessing Kemunto

CEMASTEA’s primary mission is to continually enhance teacher proficiency in Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) through In-Service Education and Training (INSET). Over time, CEMASTEA has trained educators in learner-centered strategies such as Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Lesson study, and ICT integration for teaching and learning. During training, teachers model lessons and share their teaching and learning experiences.

Recently, a pilot symposium was held at CEMASTEA on June 29, 2024, with the aim to inform the scaling up of this activity in subsequent years. The symposium targeted four counties: Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, and Kajiado. It brought together science and mathematics teachers from Junior Schools and Secondary Schools, along with other educators, to exchange best practices in the classroom.

The specific objectives of the symposium were to: Share innovative classroom practices; Facilitate knowledge and skill exchange among teachers for effective implementation of innovative approaches and Establish communities of practice among teachers, providing a platform for collaboration and networking through the CEMASTEA website and portal. Participating teachers and stakeholders used the symposium as an opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate on best classroom practices, aiming to enhance the quality of education provided to students. They explored innovative pedagogical approaches in science and mathematics education. Additionally, the forum allowed participants to connect with colleagues from different schools and regions, fostering community and collaboration within the education sector.

Overall, the science and mathematics teachers’ symposium at CEMASTEA serves as a valuable platform for professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement in STEM education. It contributes to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by facilitating the dissemination of discoveries and fostering dialogue among experts. Furthermore, the symposium aims to disseminate new insights into teaching and promote dialogue among educators. CEMASTEA plans to regularly organize teacher symposiums, providing an opportunity for teachers to learn from one another, address challenges, and promote innovation to continuously improve their classroom practices.

This initiative is particularly important as Kenya transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), emphasizing competencies such as collaboration and communication skills. The symposium plays a crucial role in promoting innovative classroom practices for learning mathematics and science. During the one-day pilot symposium at CEMASTEA, presentations of innovative lessons, as well as panel and plenary discussions on innovative classroom practices. Outstanding teachers who participated, prepared and recorded exemplary lessons, that identified outstanding innovations in the subject/learning area. were awarded.

Outstanding teachers in four categories receiving awards from CEO CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC

Nathaniel Melita from Sholinke Primary & Junior School                 Jane Francisca Sakwa from Pangani Girls School in Nairobi County in Kajiado County.

Daniel Njoroge from St.Josephine Bakhita  Masinga in Machakos.       Faith Maghas from Athi River Gk Prison School in Kajiado County.