By LMakanda/AMumbi/WMagu/DOrero

The collaborative efforts between CEMASTEA and the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards are set to significantly improve the quality of STEM education in Kenya's early learning and basic education institutions. By fostering communities of good practice and promoting STEM-related activities, the basic education sector will be transformed to meet the aspirations of learners, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. They have also started a collaborative programme for supporting the Junior Secondary (JS) teachers at school level to actualize learner centered strategies such as inquiry-based learning that forms part of what the teachers are trained on. The mission of CEMASTEA is to continuously develop competencies for sustainable development through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. The Centre therefore seeks to build capacities in STEM education by nurturing talents in STEM at the basic education to eventually create a sufficient pool of learners with interest in pursuing the STEM Pathway at Senior School, STEM related courses in higher education and STEM related careers. With the support of the Ministry of Education CEMASTEA has continuously enhanced the capacity of JS teachers handling the STEM related learning areas.

A three-day training, themed: “Enhancing the capacity of QASO to monitor and support JS Teachers of STEM related subjects for effective implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum that targeted 358 Quality Standards and Assurance Officers (QASOs) based at the sub-county and county levels and drawn from 47 counties, as well as some from MoE headquarters took place from 27th to 29^th May 2024 running concurrently in three training venues namely; Kakamega Nakuru and Machakos.

The training aimed at sharpening the QASO’S knowledge and skills to ensure effective and successful delivery of support to teachers in Junior school and to reflect and strategize on effective implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). It focused on the topical areas in education such as Feedback on Classroom lesson observation, interpretation of Curriculum Designs, Learner Centred Pedagogies and ICT Management Tools and Curriculum Delivery Support, related activities in STEM education, and topics that related to their work. The training was presided over by Dr. Pius Mutisya, OGW, Chairman of Board of Directors, CEMASTEA, CEO CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC and guests from the Ministry of Education.

While applauding CEMASTEA for setting up very high standards in training for STEM, the guests emphasized the important role CEMASTEA plays in Training and Research. The theme of the training was noted to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on various aspects such as: Evaluating lessons for effective teacher support, describing learner-centered approaches; Understanding lesson study; Developing strategies for teacher support; and appreciating the role of QASOs in supporting teachers.

Chief guests during the opening and closing ceremonies. From left: Dr. Pius Mutisya, OGW, Chairman of Board of Directors, CEMASTEA Dr. William Sugut, Head - Senior School Directorate, Dr. Gichuhi Ndegwa, Deputy Head - Directorate of Policy, Partnership and East Africa Community Affairs, Regional Director of Education (RDE) Eastern Region, Mr. Fredrick Kiiru, Regional Director of Education Rift Valley, Mr. Milton Nzyoka

The importance of collaboration and cohesion in enhancing the quality of STEM education was underscored. Participants were urged to provide leadership in the areas of their respective responsibility, noting the need for QASO’s to support the JS teachers even as they carried out curriculum implementation. Quality Standards and Assurance Officers it was noted, provided pedagogical leadership and monitoring curriculum delivery. Working collaboratively with the Ministry of Education would ensure 60% transition of the JS learners to the STEM pathway in Senior School would be achieved, which would eventually transform STEM education in Kenya.

The Head - Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards, Madam Evelyne Owoko reiterated that the Directorate plays a critical role in the education sector, as it is tasked with ensuring the overall success of the education reforms hence play a critical role in curriculum implementation. Ms. Okowo reminded the QASOs of their mandate: to monitor and evaluate the standards and quality of education as it gives an opportunity to professionally inform policy. She highlighted the importance of pedagogical content knowledge, which enables teachers to synthesize pedagogical and subject matter knowledge for effective lesson planning and delivery. She noted that varied pedagogical skills help teachers tailor their lessons to meet different students' needs, thereby improving lesson delivery and learning experiences. She stressed that QASOs are essential in supporting teachers through school-based monitoring and providing timely feedback. This support extends to school administrators, ensuring quality education and effective governance.

Representing the Director of Quality Assurance and Standard, MoE: From left; Mary Mullu in Nakuru, Mr. Joseph Wambua in Kakamega and Mr. Lawrence Kaburu in Machakos

Ms. Owoko reiterated that the training aimed to equip QASOs with the skills necessary to support teachers, particularly in STEM subjects. She called upon participants to maximize their engagement during the training to enhance their pedagogical skills and knowledge. The participants were encouraged to embrace long life learning and the importance of being abreast with the current technologies that would ensure that they meet the stakeholders’ expectations. She encouraged QASOs to mentor and coach teachers in order to enhance curriculum delivery skills.

It was evident that Quality and Standards Officers play an instrumental role to ensure sustainable implementation of STEM education in schools leading to effective and efficient Curriculum Implementation and the success of CBC. By ensuring quality in education which needed to regain its center stage for. This would depend not just on its planning and implementation but on continuous improvement using data and information from the field. Consequently, the collection and analysis of the data on the quality and standards of practices is feedback in education through sustained monitoring, evaluation and support of school leadership and instructional practices was an integral part of providing quality education in the implementation of CBC.

Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC addressing participants during the closing ceremony of the QASO workshop in Kakamega.

Representing the CEO CEMASTEA in other regions were from left: Madam Lydia Muriithi, Deputy Director, CEMASTEA in Nakuru, and Mr. Patrick Kogolla in Machakos.

Participants were appreciated for their active participation and deliberations as the training had provided an opportunity for both participants and CEMASTEA to reflect and strategize on how to ensure effective implementation of CBC and related activities in STEM education. They were challenged to dream big, practice what they have learnt and help ensure success in STEM education even as they went about their duties.

Following the training that had brought together, QASOs from MoE headquarters, Regional, County, and Sub-Counties across the 47 Counties, held in three Centres; Kakamega, Machakos and Nakuru, participants were able to evaluate lessons for effective teacher support at classroom level; Describe learner centered approaches that promote effective implementation of the curriculum; Demonstrate understanding of lesson study as a form of teacher support at school level; Develop strategies for teachers support at school level for improved learning outcomes; and Appreciate their role in supporting JS teachers at school level for effective curriculum implementation.