The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo addressing participants during the workshop.
The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s School of Education (SEDU) on 4th May, 2023 conducted a school practice advisory workshop in a bid to enhance quality teaching. The workshop themed, ‘Teacher Education for Quality Teaching’, was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. School practice is an integral component of teacher training, which exposes the teacher trainees to the actual teaching and learning experience, and the teaching profession.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Shibairo encouraged the participants to effectively conduct school practice to make the University reputable. He urged the lecturers to do a thorough work while assessing students on school practice to help them build their careers. “We have competitive lecturers to provide quality training to the students. It is our commitment to keep the University at the top to attract more students. Let us empower our students for a better nation,” he urged.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha speaking at the workshop.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha pointed out that it is important for students to go to for attachments in areas that are easily accessible during assessment. Prof. Golicha challenged the lecturers to ensure the proper delivery of the students during the practice. He emphasized the preparedness of the students before going to school practice.
Speaking during the workshop, the Dean SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi acknowledged that school practice is a critical apprenticeship activity in teachers’ education that empowers pre-service teachers to acquire practical skills in pedagogy and other school operations. He added that assessors are expected to uphold the values of customer focus, accountability, collegiality, equity, excellence, innovativeness, and professionalism during the practice.
The Dean SEDU, Prof. Moses Poipoi making a presentation at the workshop.
The Coordinator (Webuye Campus), Prof. Peter Odera, advised that there is a need for proper guidance and counseling in schools. He said that the way the students present themselves is key and the student-teachers should champion guidance and counseling during their practice. “The assessors should ensure the student teacher is mentally prepared before the lesson. The student teachers should use good study skills, be energetic, and interactive, give assignments to students, and avoid spoon-feeding the students,” he said.
In his presentation, ‘The Concept and Practice of Teacher Advising’, the Chairman of the Department (Curriculum Instruction Technology), Prof. Mukasa Simiyu advised the assessors to go out as advisers and supervisors. For this reason, they will look at what the student has done and identify the problem as well as find a possible solution to the problem.
The Coordinator, School Practice- Dr. Eric Wangila giving his remarks during the School Practice workshop.
The Coordinator, School Practice- Dr. Eric Wangila tackled the Structure and Procedure of School Practice and urged the assessors to interact with the head of the schools for effective feedback from the student-teachers. In addition, he encouraged them to have a session with the student-teachers and look at the previous lesson plan. This will make the student more comfortable.
The participants were advised to ensure that the students have a complete scheme of work, lesson objectives, and lesson plan. Further, they were advised to consider the following teaching strategies; sequence, question and reinforcement, mastery of content, resources, and materials as well as the grading system.
Indeed, such workshops provide opportunities and model engaging learner-centered educational practices, while participants leave with effective new strategies which they can implement in engaging the students during school practice. These strategies empower students to become active, responsible learners, improving student academic success and retention.
By Verna Awuor, Melody Mutua and Sylvia Shibutuli
Photos by Wilberforce Shiundu
