Teachers receive training in new teaching technology

AT LEAST 550 primary teachers have completed a comprehensive training of how they can efficiently utilize new instructional materials and innovative use of technology in carrying out their duties. The training is part of the programme designed to build teacher`s capacity to use proven teaching techniques with the print and audio materials in conducting lessons. They were conducted in Kigali as well as in each province.This is one of the mechanisms Rwanda Education Board (REB) and the USAID-funded Literacy, Language, and Learning (L3) Initiative is using to promote the quality of education right at the lower level of education.“These materials are based on the latest research on how children learn,” says Dr. Joyce Musabe, head of REB’s curriculum department.Recently, REB and L3 came up with a technique to have audio and visual methods of teaching where they argue that the type of teaching and learning is not only easy for learners to learn but that it also simplifies the teacher`s role. This saw the equipping of the recording studio at REB where audio-visual educational materials as well as programmes recorded for distribution in schools to facilitate the learning process.As part of the training, teachers learned how to use the beautifully illustrated story collections, student readers, teachers’ guides, and interactive audio instruction programs to effectively develop key literacy and numeracy skills.Teachers who took part in the similar trainings are optimistic the skills acquired will improve their teaching capacity.“With this training, I realised that there is a big difference from the methods of teaching we have been using and what we intend to adopt,” Alice Akimanizanye a teacher at Gasanze Primary School in Kamonyi district.Teachers also learnt how to use ordinary Nokia phones and small, portable speakers to broadcast interactive audio instruction lessons in their classrooms. The programs guide teachers and students through fun, engaging lessons using songs, games, chants, and poems.“These programs ensure that children across the country are equally benefiting from quality learning experiences and also allows teachers to learn and to be supported in using new teaching methodologies while they are teaching,” said Agnes Mukagatete, L3 math materials developer.