EFFECTIVE TEACHINIG-LEARNING PROCESSES THROUGH ICT ENABLED INNOVATIVE METHODS

Computers for Schools (cfsu) and RWECO through RIC-NET have successfully completed a four days training of English teachers in improving effective teaching-learning processes through ICT enabled innovative methods.

The training that started on 7^th - 10^th May 2012 attracted secondary school teachers from Kabarole and Kasese Districts  involving schools of St.Leo’s college, Kyebambe Girls Rutete S.S and St.Charles Voc SS, St.Thereza Girls’ and Kilembe SS respectively. Bwera teachers’ college from Kasese also was presented for the work of preparing teachers who provide a foundation for learners in secondary schools. The training was facilitated by Stella Nekesa and Lydia Kamba staff computers for schools and John Silco ED RIC-NET , RIC-NET finance officer was incharge of general administration. Yosia Baluku,ICT officer RIC-NET and Charles Kaliba Outreach officer  were incharge of research and documentation. 

The training  focused on how to integrate the traditional methods of teaching English Language [chalk and talk] with use of ICT. [Focus on developing the skills of Teachers with ICT innovative methods of teaching that is expected to yield more results, at least 2 teachers of English from each selected School attended. The projects are being implemented in 6  Secondary Schools and 2 Teacher Training Colleges in Kasese and kabarole Districts. ICT based tools allows to create, store, display information in its form.

Group discussions on the situation in schools as far as teaching English is concerned was conducted in the course of the training. Issues discussed centered around  problems faced in the teaching learning of English, methods of teaching English and how to handle the different abilities in class. A discussion on the 4 skills and how they’re applied in the teaching process [reading, speaking, listening and writing] was also discussed. To be good teachers ment that some one should  possess the following: Exploratory, Assessment, competence, interactive and passion for teaching.

The alternative approaches of teaching English language.

Learning station method, Lexical approach, English circle method. Think-Pair share method. Grammar translations, Practice presentation and product, Phonetics, Direct approach, Notional-functional Approach. Task based learning, [from the traditional methods that have been used] ICT integration by using ICT tools which included [digital storytelling, teaching using pictures and cinema education] was practiced during the training.

Mr. John Silco took the participants through some concepts of CINEDUC [using movies and videos in education]. he stressed that the video  for teaching should be about 15-20 minutes. Different methodologies where explored like  stopping the video in between to allow discussion [stop video discussion]. The teacher may assign students to follow certain characters in the video and allow them to note what their character did or said. The video can be used to test the 4 skills [listening, speaking, writing and reading].

Challenges that were raised as likely to affect the innovation were; Teachers may ignore the innovation after the training since it will be involving double preparation of the lesson.


 Teachers may fear challenges of students who may have a lot of skills in ICT than them. Ability to continue practicing may be hampered by scarcity of tools in schools. Attitude of teachers towards change. 

The project implimenters RWECO and CFSUinformed teachers that equipments to support in the teaching and learning process such as  Generators, Laptops, projectors, projector screens, speakers have been procured and would be deliver to schools as the second term begins.RIC-NET and CFSU promised a close technical back up in case it is needed and also a continuous follow up and trainings at schools.

The training ended on 10^th May 2012 and teachers appreciated this initiative. They designed work plans for individual schools on what is going to be done as soon as the schools open and promised to be cooperative whenever called upon.