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From 11th to 24 January 2023, the World Bank Consultant Dr Jee Peng visited Rwanda to evaluate the implementation progress of the World Bank-funded Rwanda Basic Education for Human Capital development (RQBEHCD) project. This evaluation regarded specifically the sub-component 1.2 related to supporting professional development of Mathematics and Science teacher from upper primary to lower secondary (P4-S3).

Dr. Jee Peng met and discussed with different key stakeholders at UR/SPIU, University of Rwanda-Rukara Campus, Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), and the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC). She engaged with the team of UR-CE and REB staff in charge of the sub-component implementation activities on the progress made. She also conducted field visits in schools to ensure improvement made by Mathematics and Science teachers/tutors trained under the sub-component 1.2.

The implementation activities of the sub-component 1.2 kicked off back in 2020 with the development of modernized teaching tools like scripted lessons which were distributed to beneficiary schools. Then, undertook a series of trainings in Innovative Teaching Methods for Mathematics and Science, and in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach. These trainings benefited teachers /tutors of Mathematics and Science from 16 TTCs, 16 model schools and 30 Mathematics and Sub-Saharan Africa (MS4SSA) pilot schools.

On her visit to UR-Rukara Campus, she had a meeting with a team of UR-CE managers and the staff concerned with the sub-component implementation activities. On this occasion, the Consultant visited the construction site of UR-CE Model School financed by the World Bank.

Sub-component 1.2 accomplished activities

Two main activities supported by the sub-component 1.2 are modernization of instructional tools for teaching Mathematics and Science, and enhancement of teacher content knowledge and pedagogical practices in Mathematics and Science.

1.Modernization of instructional tools for teaching Mathematics and Science

In a move to modernize instructional tools for teaching Mathematics and Science, three innovations have been made : Scripted Lessons, Project-Based Learning (PBL), and Virtual Science Laboratories (VSLs).

As per action plan, 2589 out of 3128 laptops and projectors were distributed to Maths and Science teachers. It was noted that the distribution of 539 remaining laptops were also to be provided to the beneficiaries sooner after installation and engravement. Figures also indicate that 172, 220 Formative Assessment Packages including Voting Cards, Plickers and Show-me Boards were distributed to beneficiary schools (P4-S3), as well as Maths and Science Kits (1792 Maths kits for P4-S3, 761 and 525 Science kits for primary and secondary schools respectively.

Other modernized instructional tools included PBL packages : robot kits, 3 D printers, Lanterns, Micro-bit kits, solar panels, house electrical installation materials, saponification materials and chemicals. In total, 62 schools received these instructional tools. Furthermore, 16 tablets were provided to DEOs, others (222 ) to SEOs to facilitate monitoring and data collection on effectiveness of teacher training.

2.Training of teachers and school leaders

In conducting trainings, the sub-component 1.2 places emphasis on four (4) channels to boost teacher capabilities : content knowledge, pedagogical practices, ICT and teaching tools, as well as coaching and mentoring. To achieve this, different training modules were developed on innovative pedagogy for STEM, use of ICT in teaching, selected topics of content, and laboratory experiments.

According to presented figures, 508 P4-P6 Maths and SET teachers and 1007 S1-S3 STEM teachers have been trained on 16 CPDs Modules for Innovative Teaching Methods for Maths and Science (ITMS) in the first cohort. Also,122 out of 248 STEM teachers/tutors have been trained on developed PBL modules/ projects. It is worth noting that the second cohort started in mid-January 2023.

The World Bank Consultant Dr Jee Peng holding a meeting on RQBEHCD sub-component 1.2 implementation progress

Dr. Jee Peng posing for a group photo with UR-CE and REB officials after the meeting

Visit to the construction site of UR-CE Model School funded by the World Bank

FAWE Girls School Gahini explaining their Vox- Robot project to the visitors

FAWE Girls School Gahini while presenting their Water Purification project

At GS NDL Byimana, students have made nice cakes in the Food Processing project

GSNDL students while presenting liquid and solid soaps they had made

Dr.Jee peng and the team also conducted lesson observations at FAWE Girls School Gahini (Chemistry lesson) GS Gitarama ( Biology lesson) , GS Kabgayi B ( SET lesson) after which a feedback session was held bringing together observed teachers, head teachers and deputy headteachers.

Back from the field visit, Dr. Jee Peng and the team met with postgraduate students in a workshop, at UR/SPIU, tasked with the elaboration of Data Collection Tools on Teacher Training Effectiveness. They also visited GS Cyahafi training centre where they observed the training of teachers on PBL.}

Dr.Jee Peng posing for a group photo with UR-CE Postgraduate students in a workshop

Visit to GS Cyahafi to observe teachers’ training on PBL

Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac/PRO, UR-CE