State trains JSS teachers to deliver Stem education

MoE is keen on addressing inequalities and achieving a level playing field for learners. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard] 

The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (Cemastea) is currently conducting training for Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.

The induction is aimed at equipping the tutors with practical skills and knowledge to effectively implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

The training targets about 9,595 teachers assigned to subjects like Pre-Technical Studies, Agriculture, and Nutrition across all 47 counties.

Ministry of Education Director General Elyas Abdi emphasized the need to align CBC with the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). 

"The ministry is also keen on addressing inequalities to achieve a level playing field for learners,” Dr Abdi said in a speech read on his behalf by Hellen Avisa, deputy head of JSS, in the Ministry of Education.

The speech was delivered during the official opening of the Machakos Regional County Trainers workshop.

Abdi reiterated the ministry's commitment to supporting Cemastea's initiatives aimed at establishing a strong foundation in STEM education and addressing inequalities in the education system.

"There’s also a need for teachers to create communities of practice to deliver quality STEM education,” he said.

He said the training also involves the integration of digital literacy, which is essential in the contemporary learning environment. 

“Mentorship and guidance in STEM fields is one of the fastest-growing areas to get young people interested in educational opportunities and global competitiveness. This will minimise the dilution of the talent pipeline that continues to hurt the economy,” he explained.

Patrick Kogolla, deputy director of Training at Cemastea, said the focus is on enhancing teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) to support the transition of 60 per cent of Junior Secondary learners to the STEM pathway in Senior Schools. 

Kogolla stressed the importance of strengthening teaching to encourage more students to opt for STEM subjects.

The training involves regional workshops for county trainers who will then impart the knowledge to teachers in their respective counties. 

The goal is to help teachers understand curriculum designs, interpret them effectively, and implement learner-centred pedagogies as outlined by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.