Junior Secondary

Introduction 

The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) supports the implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE) at Junior School level through continuous teacher professional development, pedagogical support and integration of innovative teaching and learning approaches. 

The Junior School STEM Programme focuses on strengthening teachers' competencies in delivering the STEM curriculum through effective pedagogical practices, practical learning experiences and integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The programme equips teachers with the knowledge and skills to interpret curriculum designs, plan competency-based learning activities and facilitate learner-centred instruction. 

Through capacity-building programmes, training of trainers, cascade training and continuous professional support, CEMASTEA works with education stakeholders to enhance the quality of STEM teaching and learning in Junior Schools. 

Objectives of the Programme 

The programme aims to: 

1. Strengthen teachers' capacity to implement the Competency-Based Education curriculum in Junior School STEM learning areas. 

2. Promote innovative, learner-centred and practical approaches to STEM teaching and learning through effective integration of ICT and emerging technologies. 

3. Enhance the quality of STEM education through continuous teacher professional development, collaboration and support in curriculum implementation. 

Areas of Focus 

CEMASTEA's Junior School STEM Programme focuses on the following areas: 

1. Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK)

Strengthening teachers' understanding of STEM subject content and effective pedagogical approaches for facilitating meaningful learning experiences. 

2. Curriculum Implementation

Building teachers' capacity to interpret curriculum designs, develop schemes of work, prepare lesson plans and implement competency-based learning activities. 

3. Learner-Centred Pedagogies

Promoting inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning, collaborative learning and other interactive teaching approaches. 

4. Practical STEM Learning

Enhancing the use of experiments, demonstrations, locally available materials and practical activities to support the understanding and application of STEM concepts. 

5. ICT Integration and Digital Learning

Promoting the integration of digital technologies, open educational resources and other digital learning tools in STEM teaching and learning. 

6. Robotics and Emerging Technologies

Exposing teachers to innovative technologies and their application in developing learners' creativity, computational thinking and problem-solving competencies. 

7. Virtual Laboratories

Building teachers' capacity to use virtual laboratories and simulations to support practical learning, particularly where access to physical laboratory facilities is limited. 

8. Assessment of Learning

Strengthening teachers' capacity to design and implement competency-based assessment activities, provide feedback and use assessment information to improve learning. 

Target Beneficiaries 

The programme primarily targets: 

- Junior School Mathematics teachers. 

- Junior School Integrated Science teachers. 

- Teachers handling other STEM-related learning areas. 

- Junior School heads and school leaders. 

- County and sub-county education trainers. 

- Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. 

- Other education stakeholders involved in STEM curriculum implementation. 

Programme Implementation Approach 

CEMASTEA adopts a collaborative and cascading approach to teacher professional development and curriculum implementation support. The programme is implemented through: 

- Identification of teachers' professional development needs. 

- Development and delivery of subject-specific training programmes. 

- Training of master trainers and county-level trainers. 

- Cascade training and professional development for teachers. 

- Demonstration of innovative STEM teaching and learning approaches. 

- Development and utilisation of teaching and learning resources. 

- Integration of ICT and digital technologies in STEM education. 

- Monitoring, evaluation and provision of professional support to schools. 

The approach promotes continuous professional learning, collaboration and the application of acquired competencies in classroom practice. 

Expected Outcomes 

Through the Junior School STEM Programme, CEMASTEA seeks to: 

- Enhance teachers' competencies in STEM curriculum implementation. 

- Improve the quality of STEM teaching and learning. 

- Increase the use of learner-centred and practical pedagogical approaches. 

- Strengthen the integration of ICT and digital technologies in STEM education. 

- Enhance teachers' capacity to assess learners' competencies. 

 Promote creativity, innovation and problem-solving in STEM learning. 

- Strengthen collaboration among education stakeholders in supporting STEM education. 

Our Impact 

Through sustained teacher professional development, pedagogical innovation and curriculum implementation support, CEMASTEA contributes to strengthening STEM education at Junior School level. The programme seeks to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to facilitate engaging, practical and learner-centred learning experiences that nurture learners' creativity, critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving abilities.