MMUST’s School of Education Practice Advisors Undergo Induction to Improve Effectiveness of Supervision for Quality Teacher Trainers
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Education (SEDU) practice advisors have undergone an induction Workshop, aimed at improving the effectiveness of supervision for quality teacher trainers. The Workshop was organized by the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology (CIT), and involved staff from SEDU as well as those from other supporting sections. It saw the launch of a students’ bulletin, titled ‘Guidelines for Trainee Teachers on Attachment’, which is set to provide trainee teachers with structured instructions and expectations during their attachment period.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha, pointed out that MMUST has made a name for itself as one of the well-known institutions that produce great teachers in the country. “A good number of our trainee teachers have been absorbed by Schools after completing their practice, and this goes to show that lecturers have successfully prepared students for employment,” asserted Prof. Golicha, adding that the University envisions to increase the number of times that education students go for school practice.
“School practice provides an opportunity for the University to not only market itself, but also to get feedback. Over the last few years, we have received incredible feedback from Schools regarding our students, and I commend all the lecturers and mentors for their positive impact on these learners,” stated the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala. Prof. Bukhala, a trained teacher, called on the SEDU scholars to take advantage of the school practice to gather data for research, saying that this will help them to come up with studies that will assist in addressing issues such as early pregnancies and dropouts. He added, “the decision to place students in Junior Secondary Schools is a brilliant idea as it will enable us to incorporate various aspects into our curriculum, allowing us to enhance our preparations towards the CBC transition.”
The Registrar (Academic Affairs)-Prof. Judah Ndiku asked the advisors to adhere to the codes of conduct and understand what is expected of them in terms of guiding and mentoring students. “Let each and every one of us play their roles and portray the best image of our institution out there,” said Prof. Ndiku, emphasizing that during evaluation, advisors should utilize positive comments that empower students.
The Dean-SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi, revealed that the School is currently posting about 1500 students to more than 150 education institutions across the country. “Over one hundred and ten advisors will be involved in the assessment exercise, guiding students that are specializing in different courses. I thank the University Management for its continued support towards retooling our staff on matters capacity building in higher education, which has significantly helped us to enhance teaching and learning,” noted Prof. Poipoi. He further urged the advisors to remain good ambassadors of the University throughout the assessment exercise, and take time to guide and mentor students.
While making a presentation on the role of supervision in school practice, the Chairperson-CIT, Dr. Eric Wangila, reiterated that school practice is an opportunity for MMUST to market itself by showcasing its students as well as programs. “The school practice lasts for one full term but from the next academic year, it shall run for two school terms. Advisors are experts that guide trainee teachers, and therefore there is a need for them to go through a proper induction in order for them to be well prepared for the task ahead. As you go to the field, I encourage you to identify the students’ strengths and reinforce them, while finding out their weaknesses and mentoring them accordingly,” he said.
“I would like to urge advisors to maintain high levels of professionalism in the discharge of their respective duties. It is essential that in every interaction with secondary education institutions, assessors project a positive image of MMUST. This will not just strengthen the University’s reputation, but enhance relationships with potential students and educational partners,” remarked the overall SEDU school practice Coordinator-Dr. Teresa Okoth. Notably, Dr. Abisaki Oloo, the School Practice Coordinator at Turkana University College (TUC), was also in attendance to benchmark on MMUST’s School Practice.
The move by the School of Education to improve the effectiveness of School Practice supervision will without doubt enhance the quality of teacher training at MMUST. This will ultimately ensure that the University is continuously producing competent and well-prepared graduates, who are ready to meet the demands of the teaching profession.
