Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology through the Directorate of Curriculum Review and Development headed by Dr. Judah Ndiku, has partnered with Partnership for Africa and Governance Research (PASGR) to boost the pedagogical outcomes of staff in the institution. The timely partnership is foreseen to equip varied staff with key concepts and theories that will transform their instructional approaches for better learning outcomes. The pedagogical training dubbed ‘PedaL’ is key to improving teaching and learning as the Education sector continues to grapple with effects of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The training was graced by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo who commended the Partnership for Africa and Governance Research (PASGR) for the sponsorship. Prof. Shibairo stated that the theme of the training is appropriate as the education sector is going through a transformation with the introduction of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum. “This also comes at a time when MMUST has been registered as a TVET Institute to offer CBET learning towards skills development. The challenges of face-to -face learning brought about by COVID-19 have pushed us to think innovatively. We highly appreciate PASGR for taking the lead to build capacity in online learning,” said Prof.Shibairo.

“Looking at the three modules to be covered in the three weeks, the whole spectrum of Teaching and Learning is addressed. This will enable the participants to improve their skills in preparing for teaching and facilitation of the learning processes and assessment of learners at MMUST. I urge the participants to utilize this opportunity and bring out the best for this institution,” added Prof. Shibairo,

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Students Affairs Prof. Peter Odera, applauded Dr. Ndiku for the timeliness of the training that will enhance delivery approach to pedagogy. He further noted that MMUST is among the few universities in Kenya that have not shifted academic semesters and teaching of students since the pandemic paralyzed learning in the country. “We developed hybrid learning to suit the changing times. PedaL exposure will now ensure that we shape our students with the right competencies to increase their productivity in online learning,” reiterated Prof. Odera. His sentiments were echoed by the Acting Registrar, Academics Prof. Thomas Sakwa, who expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the informative session.

Speaking during the virtual event, the Acting Executive Director PedaL Team Leader, Dr. Beatrice Muganda congratulated MMUST for taking up the challenge to join PedaL. “Since MMUST is a University of Science and Technology, it is important to implement blended learning approaches to increase the pedagogical outcomes,” stated Dr. Muganda.

The pedal online training is embedded on fundamental concepts that immerses participants in the practical application of variety of toolsets, digital resources, and strategies for course planning, design and innovative assessment. The PedaL Online sequence covers Pre-training, Course design, Facilitation, Innovative Assessment and Post training. These were highlighted by Prof. Wanjira Kinuthia, University of Maryland Global Campus.

Sharing her PedaL experience during the training, Dr. Rose Opiyo, a lecturer at MMUST attested to the divergent learning designs enabled by PedaL. “PedaL allows flexibility, discussions and has wonderful tutors and mentors. Let us embrace PedaL,” urged Dr. Opiyo.

Experts drawn from different fields and institutions presented goodwill messages to MMUST to confirm the exemplary benefits that comes with PedaL. “Online teaching is no longer an option, reschedule your programs to match the current online teaching techniques to heighten capacity building in your institution,” emphasized Prof. Betty Ezati, Dean School of Education at Makerere University. Prof. Jonathan Babalola from Ibadan University in Nigeria also assured MMUST of good tidings by the end of the three-week PedaL training.