The standard view of this forum does not always work well with assistive technology. We also provide a simpler view, which still contains all features. Switch to simple view.

Kris Stutchbury Post 1

10 July 2020, 5:25 PM Edited by the author on 10 July 2020, 5:32 PM

Activity 1.2 Educational policy and teacher education

Use this thread to tell us what needs to change in classrooms in your country.

Mercy Ogunleye Post 2 in reply to 1

14 July 2020, 1:15 PM

True classroom should be a positive environment that is well managed, where students are comfortable to ask the teacher questions, it should also be stress free to ensure a good workflow.

ELIZABETH Akinyi-Owino Post 18 in reply to 2

19 July 2020, 12:24 PM

the situation in most classrooms with regard to student population is just worrying

Michele Deane Post 23 in reply to 18

19 July 2020, 8:10 PM

Why is this, Elizabeth? It might be useful to identify the reasons that make the situation worrying and start thinking of possible ways forward.


Andrew Ibrahim Post 52 in reply to 23

22 July 2020, 10:52 PM

The reasons why classroom situation in Nigeria is worrying are numerous ranging from overcrowding, inadequate seats and table, dilapidated roofs and windows that cannot shield the students from adverse weather conditions and the continuous use of chalkboard in place of maker boards

Mulikat Mustapha Post 71 in reply to 52

15 August 2020, 2:50 AM

The need for improved infrastructure cannot be over emphasised, my belief is that we can not leave everything to the government. Ways and means given to faculties and department should be judiciously used to maintain available facilities. School authorities and government as well as philanthropist should also help in the area of functional internet facilities as we can not run away from having large classes. as teachers we need to learn how to manage large classes.  

Charity Okonkwo Post 65 in reply to 2

11 August 2020, 4:47 AM

Abiola Ajani Post 3 in reply to 1

14 July 2020, 5:42 PM

There is need to improve on pedagogical approaches that will support creativity,innovations and critical thinking of the learners. Teacher and pupils ratio need to be reduced.

MARTHA Kabate Post 5 in reply to 3

16 July 2020, 12:43 PM

Yes Abiola, 

I concur  by improving the  pedagogy approaches, or strategies or methods of teaching be it guiding the students as it favours   learner centered  learning. The said improvement cant  make effective teaching till we reduce numbers of students into agreed  by the ministry in one class by adding new classes or refering  other students to near by schools where there is at list a space for them

Heitor Simao Post 8 in reply to 3

16 July 2020, 2:37 PM
I agree with you Abiola, it is necessary to improve our pedagogical approach taking into account that the center is the student and the teacher guides him. The teacher-student ratio is a great challenge in providing personalized assistance to students.

Sabankilie DARPAK SOUGUE Post 11 in reply to 3

17 July 2020, 3:20 PM

Yeah ,I agree with this point of consideration but I am afraid the reality is that in most contexts in Africa today , it is a very  far away dream for most teachers who have to deal with very large classes and very limit to almost no resources. How soon can we bring this desired change into a reality is the real question

ELIZABETH Akinyi-Owino Post 19 in reply to 11

19 July 2020, 12:25 PM

exactly my thoughts


Patriciah Wambugu Post 4 in reply to 1

16 July 2020, 9:19 AM

The key change in the classrooms in our country is the focus on the student. The learning environment should be conducive to support the student as an individual.  The expected learning outcomes should focus on the cognitive, pyschomotor and the attitude domains. The teacher should be a facilitator or a guide. 

The assessment methods in the classroom need to change so as to allow for assessment for learning. 

Bonface Nabwoba Post 76 in reply to 4

15 August 2020, 10:15 AM

Prof, 

you captured our Kenya context correctly! 

MARTHA Kabate Post 6 in reply to 1

16 July 2020, 12:50 PM

under what to be changed in classroom is on the, i may say many many prints around the wall of the classroom,  inside the classroom  

i agree that a class has to speak by itself but  in one class you may find let me call them classrooms environmental prints  of a different subjects  showing for instance mathematical table, geographical  sketches, etc. on my knowledge the  prints are confusing the children or students to learn 

Heitor Simao Post 7 in reply to 1

16 July 2020, 2:29 PM
Hello everyone, I think the classroom should provide an environment conducive to active, collaborative learning, valuing the students' experiences. Also, the teacher must be the learning facilitator, stimulating research and student-centered learning.

Samson Ganvo Post 9 in reply to 1

17 July 2020, 1:15 PM

Educational policies.


Education has taking another dimension and the it's very important for the teachers to take notes. 


I believe the teacher needs to understand the pedagogical approach obtainable in order to encourage participation and active learning. Every student is important and that methods can help in realizing a centred learning experience. 

With this, a good conducive learning ambience can be created in impacting knowledge by making technical knowledge easy for them embrace and grow with with.. 

All resources won't be available for a teacher to use but with skills and technical support can enhance teaching effectively..

Educational policies can also be collection of laws and rules that govern the operation of educational systems. 

Now, technology is  taking active role and the teachers must be able to adapt in oder to teach students professionally. 

Bonface Nabwoba Post 14 in reply to 9

19 July 2020, 5:55 AM

Yep, a good teacher minus good educational policies makes the teacher work difficult 

Kris Stutchbury Post 27 in reply to 14

19 July 2020, 10:06 PM

Bonface - What sort of policies would you like to see that will support teachers?

Franci Mureithi Post 29 in reply to 27

20 July 2020, 1:28 AM

Policies that support teachers

Policies should take cognizance to the educational technology available, and it should contain aspects of building the teacher's capacity to integrate the technician in learning and teaching experience and context.


Bonface Nabwoba Post 77 in reply to 27

15 August 2020, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the question Kris.

Perhaps I should have brought in the idea of quality assurance. Is it possible that sometimes due to overload, business goes on as usual and the educators keep doing things the same way? Or can there too be a possibility that the staff in charge of checking standards and ensuring quality may be overwhelmed such that at the end of the day we soldier on without really considering say teaching methods that allow learners to be at the centre of the action? In this case, we may have good educational policies, but with a small challenge at enforcement or rather implementation, I think.

Nevertheless, I think given ideas we are learning here, the teacher and teacher educator got no excuse to blame whomever. What do we do wherever we are and in the conditions that we have? We can do something

Rubai Ochieng Post 86 in reply to 27

19 August 2020, 5:33 PM

Students need to be given more opportunities to talk and engage in relevant activities.

Franci Mureithi Post 28 in reply to 9

20 July 2020, 1:24 AM

Educational policies

Only a set of well thought-out and rationally planned educational framework can enable achieve any national goals of education. The content should be relevant to national development aspirations and plan. 

The methodologies of the pedagogy should be fashioned within the possible resources of the individual nation, and relevant to the times

Michele Deane Post 38 in reply to 28

20 July 2020, 6:41 PM

Well done for providing personal and considered answers to Kris's question, Franci.

It would be really good to collect more of your personal visions and answers to Kris's question. We might end up with a list that could inform our administrators. I am looking forward to seeing the list grow and amplify.


Bonface Nabwoba Post 78 in reply to 28

15 August 2020, 10:37 AM

Good observation Franci, 

Chances are high that most of us lack in good pedagogy that would allow learners to thrive as the main actors in the learning process. A course like this one comes in handy

Mil

Bashiru Saliu Post 35 in reply to 9

20 July 2020, 11:57 AM

Policies should take cognizance to the educational technology available, and it should contain aspects of building the teacher's capacity to integrate the technician in learning and teaching experience context. Period



Michele Deane Post 39 in reply to 35

20 July 2020, 6:46 PM

Bashiru, you did pick up word for word Franci's contribution. The addition of "Period' would seem to indicate you fully agree and have nothing to add. Nonetheless, do you have any ideas of "aspects of building the teacher's capacity to integrate the technician in learning and teaching experience context"? Could you share some of these with us as they would help all of us to start engaging with these concepts.

Sabankilie DARPAK SOUGUE Post 10 in reply to 1

17 July 2020, 3:07 PM

Educational policy in my country needs to be reconsidered from the scratch and retailored towards the need of the 21st century learners .Students needs to be taught practical skills needs for job market and other useful life skills instead of just focusing on some sort of rot learning with which the will learner end up completing his/her education without having acquired any practical and specific skill to make him/her competitive in the 21st job market as required. Additional teachers capacity building in these new skills is required so that they can meet they need of learners in their classrooms.

Course Instructor

Ndidi Ofole Post 21 in reply to 10

19 July 2020, 5:09 PM

I agree with you. When students are taught practical skills they are ready for 21st century employability skills

Michele Deane Post 24 in reply to 10

19 July 2020, 8:29 PM

Interesting point, Sabankilie! The relationship between Attitude, Skills and Knowledge has exercised and is exercising many teachers and teacher educators. I think there is a consensus that rote learning (while it can have its place) will not equip learners for life and  for life-long learning. You mention life skills and practical and specific skills. Do you have something specific in mind? Might not is be the case that some skills become fossilised and reflect a way of operating in a specific moment? To me, you raise an issue that our curriculum designers may n- what is the role of the school? What is its relationship with the world of work?

Blessing Namonje Post 49 in reply to 10

22 July 2020, 8:11 AM
You are right,as long as our students are not allowed to use gadgets in our institutions, our goals will definitely not yield expected results. Our policy markers need to adjust and fit in the 21st century needs of the learners.

Angore Mbitha Post 12 in reply to 1

17 July 2020, 9:03 PM
The classroom setup in Kenya needs to be changed to take care of the new Competency Based Curriculum, where educational resources are equitable provided for all schools. In that case we may be able to assess and reap CBC fruits equally.

Yusuf Abubakar Post 13 in reply to 1

18 July 2020, 10:39 PM

2a

To equip teachers with relevant competencies and skills for the effective performance of their duties which is mainly the development of the individual into a sound and effective citizen

There is a lack of adequate number of teachers to handle students effectively. Secondly, teaching facilities are insufficient as well as learning resources

 There is the need to change the mindset of the teachers as well as the students. I will love to see students actively engage in learning tasks with the teacher moving from one group of students to another giving them support and guide in place of the rote learning in a rigid classroom setting presently taking place.


Sandra Amos Post 15 in reply to 13

19 July 2020, 10:30 AM

This is a very important point Yusuf. Although resources are important, it's the mindset of teachers and student that is the biggest challenge. Students who are used to a teacher centred approach can find it hard to get used to a more active learning approach. I have found this from my own experience. 


Mil

Bashiru Saliu Post 36 in reply to 13

20 July 2020, 12:18 PM

This is a very important point Yusuf. Although resources are important, it's the mindset of teachers and student that is the biggest challenge. Students who are used to a teacher centred approach can find it hard to get used to a more active learning approach. I have found this from my own experience. 



Kris Stutchbury Post 42 in reply to 36

21 July 2020, 2:28 PM

Bashiru - I wonder if the mind-set of those supporting teachers also needs to change. In my experience District Education officials and those running in-service training are likely to gather teachers together, lecture them and not model the pedagogy. Teachers and student teachers are more likely to act as facilitators if they experience being facilitated themselves! How do you think this can be achieved?

Linet Njagi Post 16 in reply to 1

19 July 2020, 10:32 AM

In Kenya,some of the classes in public schools are over populated , i think the country needs to increase the number of public schools to make sure the classrooms are not over populated , this will improve individualized instructional process which helps in helping individual student according to his/her needs

Linet Njagi Post 17 in reply to 1

19 July 2020, 10:32 AM

In Kenya,some of the classes in public schools are over populated , i think the country needs to increase the number of public schools to make sure the classrooms are not over populated , this will improve individualized instructional process which helps in helping individual student according to his/her needs


Jane Amunga Post 44 in reply to 17

21 July 2020, 5:07 PM

Exactly, as long as we have one teachers handling over 100 learners,learner centred instruction will remain a mirage. Approaches used are also likely to kill Innovation and creativity

Michele Deane Post 46 in reply to 44

21 July 2020, 7:27 PM

Do take part in the next webinar. Some strategies will be discussed to support all of us working with large numbers to use LCE in our teaching.



Course Instructor

Ndidi Ofole Post 20 in reply to 1

19 July 2020, 5:07 PM

Teachers’ attitude should change to conscientious and efficient classroom teachers for all levels of the educational system.  Teachers should encourage the spirit of inquiry and creativity among the learners using participatory methodologies that are engaging. Teacher should ensure that educational practice is respectful of all learners. That is making sure that the school and classroom culture ensures no discrimination of individuals or groups of individuals in respect of treatment in the classroom, opportunities for learning, access to examinations, opportunities to participate in particular activities, such as music or drama, or marking of work. Teachers need to take active measures to be gender sensitive in all things starting from planning the lesson, activities and delivery.


Michele Deane Post 25 in reply to 20

19 July 2020, 8:47 PM

Another rich discussion in the making. 

Your contributions range from physical constraints : Many of you are concerned by classroom size. Have you started thinking about possible ways forward to nurture our learners is these challenging situations that may not disappear for a while

Ndidi and Sabankilie invited us to think about content and pedagogy, Does a link exist between their answers? Philip (below) is offering some strategies that may alleviate the situation and enable a different approach.

Your collaborative vision of education policy is developing on 3 strands : challenges, content, pedagogical strategies

I am looking forward to reading more about the challenges colleagues in schools face, and more particularly about the ways forward you feel would benefit education in your countries.

Don't forget the other aspect of Kris's question : the implications for us as teacher trainers.

Mulikat Mustapha Post 72 in reply to 25

15 August 2020, 3:10 AM

thank you for this summary, a great link exist between content and pedagogy, when a teacher lack the knowledge of subject matter, what will he/she facilitate in a learner no matter how skillful he/she may be. If the teacher possesses adequate knowledge and lack appropriate skills to deliver the content, he/she could not successfully benefit  his/her learners. The two are very important. The implication of this for us as teachers and teacher educators is to continually update ourselves with relevant and up to date knowledge in our field as well as tested skills for delivering our service. These could be hard to achieve if we do not have the right attitude to learning and we lack commitment to our service.

Mil

Bashiru Saliu Post 34 in reply to 20

20 July 2020, 11:47 AM


the situation in most classrooms with regard to student population is  KT comfortable at all


Philip Mututa Post 22 in reply to 1

19 July 2020, 7:51 PM
Like others have already said, there is great need for teachers to change their pedagogical approach. Teaching in classrooms should be more engaging. Realising that most of our classrooms are over enrolled, we can use other approaches which can help achieve this goal. I strongly believe that flipping our classrooms will give teachers time to provide the much needed individual attention. I am also aware that to achieve this model we need to make teachers and school administrators appreciate it.

Kris Stutchbury Post 26 in reply to 22

19 July 2020, 9:50 PM

Philip - I agree teaching needs to be engaging. If administrators are expecting teachers to change, then they have to change as well. Have you tried or experienced  a 'flipped' classroom? It would be interesting to know how your students responded, or how you felt about it? Sometimes it can take learners a while to get used to new approaches.

Franci Mureithi Post 31 in reply to 26

20 July 2020, 2:16 AM

Flipped classroom through photography

I tried to trigger debate in class by asking the students to bring with them mobile phones, take photos of various places, things, events and people in school. They were to then make captions on one or two of those photos which they thought best depict how the school has or has not made effort to promote their health and we'll being. Upon these photos we had a debate as to whether health promotion is done in the school and it was the best engagement I had ever elicited from them. 

They became very active because they were using knowledge they participated in creating. They flipped my class for me!

Kris Stutchbury Post 33 in reply to 31

20 July 2020, 9:38 AM

Thank is a great example Franci. I could imagine it being adapted for other issues as well.Thank you for sharing!

Mulikat Mustapha Post 73 in reply to 31

15 August 2020, 3:20 AM

This is a good inspiration for me, I belief I can also use this in my Abnormal Psychology class. Students can be tasked to come up with pictures or video clips on the various causes of abnormal behaviours (e.g. eating disorders, drug and alcohol disorders) as well as the consequences. they could be asked to make captions on the various pictures to depict the views of various theorists on the causes of these abnormal behaviours. This could be a starting point in looking at ways counsellors can prevent and manage these behaviours.

Franci Mureithi Post 30 in reply to 1

20 July 2020, 2:06 AM

Educational Policy and teacher education

The attitudes of teachers towards the use of digital smart devices in school needs to change so that we can embrace the place is EdTech in supporting learning and teaching in this generation. The very ubiquity and ever expanding features of the mobile devices can really favour implementation of digital literacy to propel pedagogy.

SCHOLASTICA Coffee Lewis Post 32 in reply to 1

20 July 2020, 4:39 AM

Liberia as a nation need  to embrace Information and Communication Technology or technology more in her classrooms.

Paul Idris Post 37 in reply to 1

20 July 2020, 3:44 PM Edited by the author on 20 July 2020, 3:45 PM

The ratio of the learners to a teacher per classroom should be reviewed to lesser number, this will enable each learner to have appropriate attention of the instructor within shortest reach.

Anthonia Okonye Post 41 in reply to 37

20 July 2020, 9:34 PM Edited by the author on 20 July 2020, 9:39 PM

That is the ideal situation; a ratio of learners to a teacher but this will disenfranchise a lot of learners in most African countries due to lack of political will to improve quality of education.   

Mafo Esuga Post 45 in reply to 37

21 July 2020, 6:12 PM

Many have suggested that the number of students to a teacher should be reviewed; that alone will not bring about the progress desired. In addition to, reviewing the ration, the mode of teaching, conducive environment for learning, infrastructures and social amenities must be put in place to make the teacher-teaching and learner-learning effective.  

Michele Deane Post 47 in reply to 45

21 July 2020, 7:30 PM

I agree, Malo. Teacher/Pupil ratio is one thing. As well as all the dimensions you mention, the strategies used during lessons are also key to meaningful teaching/learning.

Nila Oduori Post 40 in reply to 1

20 July 2020, 7:47 PM

Kenyan public classrooms need an upgrade, starting with Student to Teacher ratio, at least a projector and a computer. Some schools need better desks for the learners...and the list goes on and on. The policy has good plans, but the implementation is the problem. It is unreasonable to expect teachers and learners to perform when the most basic resources aren't provided.

Jane Amunga Post 43 in reply to 1

21 July 2020, 3:32 PM

National Policy

Learning should be learner centred to spur innovation and creativity

Teaching approaches ought to change but this is only possible where there are small class sizes. If one teachers is handling over 100 learners in a grade, this teachers is under pressure to complete the syllabus and may not think about theeffect of their teacher centred approach on skills and knowledge acquisition by the learler.

I would love to see teachers and learners creating new knowledge collaboratively,

Monioluwa Olaniyi Post 48 in reply to 1

22 July 2020, 12:56 AM

The physical structure of many government owned schools need good face lift to make them appealing at least. Then the furnishing of the classrooms need attention. Facilities require updating and equipment for digital education are needed. Student population per classroom also needs to be trimmed so the classroom environment could become healthier for both students and teachers.

Kris Stutchbury Post 50 in reply to 48

22 July 2020, 11:45 AM

I agree Monioluwa, it is easier to teach in nice surroundings! But are there things that teachers can do to improve the situation? For example, displaying students work, or providing interesting posters can help.

Monioluwa Olaniyi Post 51 in reply to 50

22 July 2020, 12:48 PM

That is true Kris. Some class teachers do such things and these posters transform the whole environment beautifully well. This also encourages other students to do more attractive works that can be displayed. 

Michele Deane
Moderator
Post 53 in reply to 1

28 July 2020, 2:27 PM

The range of ideas and suggestions is extremely rich and though provoking. This is a very quick trawl through :

The classroom needs to provide a positive learning environment
  • physically - secure walls and roofs, no overcrowding, decent furniture, a more modern environment, attractive displays linked to learning
  • emotionally - respectful attitude from everybody (including the teacher) to everybody (including the teacher), all members of the class (including the teacher) and what they bring to the classroom need to be valued. This might imply a change in teacher attitude
Approaches to learning/teaching 
  • move away from rote learning
  • move towards more practical skills that will be more in line with what is needed in the world of work
  • expected learning outcomes to focus on cognitive, psychomotor and attitude domaines
  • pedagogical approaches to foster creativity, critical thinking
  • move towards learner centred education 
  • move towards a more personalised approach to support leaners' individual needs

  • assessment for learning (as opposed to assessment of learning) to be much more prominent 

  • a different role for the teacher who becomes more of an enabler/facilitator
Resources
  • there needs to be more of them
  • the attitude to technological gadgets needs to be reviewed
Political vision
  • There is a need to match the realities of the classroom with the new curricula (CBC mentioned)
  • There is a need for a political will to improve the quality of education

If I have missed any of the items you have listed, please do add them.

And I am sure you can add plenty more to this list. Please do!

Blessing Namonje Post 54 in reply to 53

30 July 2020, 8:03 AM

Well summarized Michelle, but just to add on, ever since I listened to Ken Robinson's video clip,I keep on realising how great a teacher is, because he/she is expected to provide the necessary conditions for great teaching to be effective.  Conditions like;  conducive conditions for interactions as well as good teacher _ student rapport., that is learners are supposed to feel to be part of the teaching learning process. Thank you for this forum.

MY PASSPORT PHOTO

Gladys Rotich Post 55 in reply to 54

31 July 2020, 8:22 AM

to Add on you comment Namanje, we as teachers should develop the passion to creating a conducive environment. we should be open minded and ready to learn new ideas and to the extend of listening to our learners. they too have new ideas in innovation and of course with our guidance.

Bonface Nabwoba Post 79 in reply to 54

15 August 2020, 10:42 AM

Good summary

in addition, I think the best way to match theory and practice is through quality and standards checks, ,which will inform if the system is woring or in need of improvement

Mulikat Mustapha Post 75 in reply to 53

15 August 2020, 3:27 AM

Jacqueline Korir Post 56 in reply to 1

6 August 2020, 9:22 PM
Excessive focus on examinations and preparing students for the same only reduces their thinking and creativity. It also makes them cram with the single aim of passing exams rather than learn and retain knowledge. More emphasis on students working on activities that can develop them.

Helen Hendry Post 57 in reply to 56

6 August 2020, 10:16 PM

Moderator

Some really good points here Blessing, Gladys and Jacqueline.

I agree that the teacher's role in creating a conducive environment for learning and interaction is so important an, as Jacqueline suggests, focusing on exam preparation rather than learning is counter productive.

However, of course teachers still have to ensure their pupils do well in exams. 

How do you think teachers can find the right balance?

John Mtenje Post 59 in reply to 56

7 August 2020, 10:50 AM

I think schools should have more autonomy in designing their learning. school environments differ and a one-size-fits all curriculum may not be the best. maybe these could be administered for selection purposes

Michele Deane Post 61 in reply to 59

8 August 2020, 4:28 PM

Interesting thought, John. Would you be in favour of abandoning a "national curriculum"? How would you set standards for attainment and benchmarks for measuring the different standards of attainment?

Mulikat Mustapha Post 74 in reply to 59

15 August 2020, 3:27 AM
The national policy is just providing a benchmark and schools and teachers are not restricted from adding valuable things to the benchmark

Bonface Nabwoba Post 80 in reply to 56

15 August 2020, 10:43 AM

Correct, 

Emphasis on formative evaluation can help?  For learners will be serious with the learning process throughout

Jacqueline Korir Post 58 in reply to 1

7 August 2020, 10:41 AM

Excessive focus on examinations and preparing students for the same only reduces their thinking and creativity. It also makes them cram with the single aim of passing exams rather than learn and retain knowledge. More emphasis on students working on activities that can develop them.

Michele Deane Post 60 in reply to 58

8 August 2020, 4:22 PM

From what you say, Jacqueline, it would seem assessment leads learning?  What is your vision of the relationship between learning and assessment?

Josephine Kayala Post 62 in reply to 1

8 August 2020, 9:12 PM

IDEAL CLASSROOM

In an ideal classroom , there is peace and relative sereneness.

The learners /participants have no fears about asking for more information on what they don't grasp . they are able to share previous built up knowledge okay.

Michele Deane Post 63 in reply to 62

9 August 2020, 10:34 AM

Hello, Josephine,

Thank you for your contribution. I am moving it into the main discussion area so that everybody can read it more easily.

Franci Mureithi Post 64 in reply to 1

11 August 2020, 4:23 AM

Teachers' attitude towards technology with the learners must change in order to make them embrace ICT integration in thus age and time.

Charity Okonkwo Post 66 in reply to 1

11 August 2020, 4:53 AM Edited by the author on 11 August 2020, 4:56 AM

Charity Okonkwo Post 67 in reply to 1

11 August 2020, 5:49 AM Edited by the author on 11 August 2020, 5:54 AM

The classrooms should be more learner friendly with basics facilities to make digital communication easy and flexible.

Availability of:

Robust Internet connectivity;

Constant power supply;

Comfortable seating facilities; 

Regular water supply; and 

Good ventilation.

 

FLORENCE KISIRKOI Post 90 in reply to 67

16 September 2020, 7:57 PM

Agreed Charity

Felicia Oamen Post 68 in reply to 1

11 August 2020, 1:40 PM

The sitting arrangement in most public schools in Nigeria is not learner-centred friendly. The furniture in some of these schools are also old and make the environment uncomfortable for learners

Beatrice Ajufo Post 69 in reply to 1

13 August 2020, 3:41 AM

National Policy

Teachers and teacher -educators should use pedagogical methods that promote active learners' participation and interaction

Michele Deane Post 70 in reply to 69

13 August 2020, 9:43 AM

Thank you for your contribution, Beatrice. I have moved it to this discussion thread so that everybody can access it,

Dr. Rose W. Njoroge

ROSE Njoroge Post 84 in reply to 69

17 August 2020, 12:11 PM

Agree with you Ajufo.

Bonface Nabwoba Post 81 in reply to 1

15 August 2020, 10:50 AM

In Kenya, schools are categorised as :

1. National 

2. Extra county 

3. County 

4. Subcounty....

There are more resources at national schools than at subcounty schools for example. So, same trained teachers will meet different experiences on the ground. 

Hopefuly the new education system : Cometency Based Curriculum (CBC) is going to remedy this...

Dr. Rose W. Njoroge

ROSE Njoroge Post 85 in reply to 81

17 August 2020, 12:14 PM

Sure Boniface. This is a very good observation and I concur with you.

Centers of excellence should also be established to nature those with different talents and help them exploit their God given talents without necessarily following the academic rigor of the structured curriculum.

Arthur Nzau Post 82 in reply to 1

16 August 2020, 2:47 PM

making the classrooms more leaner friendly 

Dr. Rose W. Njoroge

ROSE Njoroge Post 83 in reply to 1

17 August 2020, 12:10 PM

A number of things need to change in the classroom in my country Kenya.

1. The class size: These are too big and children tend to be lost  given the teaching strategies and approaches used. Teacher seen as the carrier of knowledge and the learners as passive recipients.

2. Inclusivity: Teachers should change the teaching style where most of the teach learners as if all of them are at the same level and have same learning capabilities.

3. Progression to next level/grade. Learners move from one level or grade without considering each learners' learning capabilities and aquisition of skills and knowledge.

4. Teachers should learn to improvise learning resources by using what is locally available within the community.

5. Participatory and collaborative learning should also be encouraged instead of lecture and note taking methods

Chimdiebere Joseph Post 87 in reply to 1

26 August 2020, 1:59 PM Edited by the author on 26 August 2020, 2:04 PM
1. Increased Use of Technology: This will provide students with the option of learning in class or opting remote learning.
2. Adherence to Health Protocols: The sizes of classrooms will need adjustments to ensure effective social distancing. This aims at reducing health- related risks that are prone to spread in cases of congestions.
3. Prioritization of Learner Feedback:Taking head of the students ideas in the classroom and utilizing that information improves on their output.
4. Electricity: Internet access, computers, single-sex toilets and basic hand washing facilities.
5. Classroom Library 
6. Learning Centers
7. Flexible Seating
8. Word Wall
9. Backpack/ Student storage
10. Technology area
The above listed points, are what needs to change in classrooms in my country Nigeria
Toluwase Olanipekun

Toluwase Olanipekun Post 88 in reply to 1

14 September 2020, 2:27 PM

The government of Nigeria give free basic education from early childhood to Junior secondary school. The free education is the responsibility of the state and local government. The government provide access to nine (9) years of free formal basic education.

The free public education has become watered down over the years, the students who attend such schools are not given the best education. The teachers are not committed to teaching. The government do not provide the resource for good environmental conditions like chairs, tables, classrooms are leaking roofs/without roofs, no fences.

I would like to see that conditions in our school environment change. The schools should be well equipped and teachers committed to teaching and raising well equipped students.

FLORENCE KISIRKOI Post 89 in reply to 1

16 September 2020, 7:55 PM

The Kenya Education Policy suggest active learning that enhances learner creativity but teachers continue with rote learning. They have not experienced or observed active learning.

Classroom need to be a place where learners are engaged in learning and respected provided with favourable environment. Teachers to be facilitated and empowered to provide learner centred learning environment.

ERIC Wangila Post 92 in reply to 89

19 September 2020, 6:31 AM

training in ICT has not been a component of teacher education in Kenya, at the Universities one expect to find computers and reliable internet which is only the preserve of the non teaching administrative staff.

ERIC Wangila Post 91 in reply to 1

19 September 2020, 6:27 AM

currently we have no incorporation of technology in our classrooms since its not the obligation of the government to equip schools with ICT tools.

ERIC Wangila Post 93 in reply to 1

19 September 2020, 6:39 AM

classroom should be a place of fun

Discussion tags: activity 1.2, educational policy and teacher education