The National Practical Teaching Challenge (PTC) held on 21st August 2024 at the Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Rubaga marked a significant milestone in advancing science education in Uganda. Organized by Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (STIA) in collaboration with River Flow International (RIFI), the event brought together educators, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the country to celebrate and recognize outstanding practical teaching methodologies in science education.
This event happens every year and has been occurring since 2022 and every year, it has showcased the impact of RIFI-STIA’s approach of changing from the theoretical way of learning to the learner-centered and practical approach of teaching and learning science at primary and secondary levels using the instructional materials made by RIFI-STIA more especially Primary Science Kit and Laboratory Instruction Manuals.
Following the previous instructional materials supplied to different primary and secondary schools countrywide, River Flow International-Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (RIFI-STIA) organized a competition to find out the impact of the materials on the teaching of science as well while evaluating;
- How primary science teachers are using the items in the New Approach Primary Science Kit to teach primary integrated science practically.
- How secondary school science teachers are using Laboratory Instruction Manuals (LIM) to conduct laboratory experiments beginning from senior one (S.1) in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
In addition, this practical teaching challenge was intended to show how the New Approach Primary Science Kit and Laboratory Instruction Manuals are transforming the approach of learning from theoretical learning (cram work) to practical/hands-on learning that enhances the development of critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.
The PTC was designed to encourage and reward primary and secondary science teachers who demonstrate innovative and effective teaching practices that enhance the learning experience for learners by focusing on practical teaching while bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, equipping learners with the skills they need to excel in science and technology fields.
The Practical Teaching Challenge intended to;
To analyze the extent to which primary science teachers across the country are using the items in the New Approach Science Kit to conduct practical science lessons in their respective schools.
To analyze the extent to which secondary school science teachers are using Laboratory Instruction Manuals (LIM) to conduct practical experiments in the school laboratories while teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
To assess the impact of the New Approach Primary Science Kit and Laboratory Instruction Manual (LIM) in transforming teaching from a theoretical approach to a practical approach to learning in primary and secondary schools respectively.
At the initial start, RIFI-STIA advertised the challenge and shared it with the individual schools inviting them to participate in teaching the challenge. The advert required teachers to record a 5-minute segment of their lesson showing how they use the Primary Science Kit and Laboratory Instruction Manuals to conduct practical lessons in their respective primary and secondary schools. The videos were sent through the RIFI-STIA contact number as stated in the advert.
The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. Amon Rugira, the Country Director of RIFI-STIA who emphasized the importance of practical teaching in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. He highlighted the role of River Flow International and Science Teaching and Innovations Africa in supporting educators through training and the provision of resources that enable them to implement innovative teaching strategies.
One of the most engaging segments of the ceremony was the recitation of poems by learners of St. Leonard Kyamulibwa Parents Schools and Muhito Primary School reflecting on the theme of innovation and creativity in science education. These poems highlighted the importance of practical teaching in making science accessible and enjoyable for students. These performances were not only inspirational but also showcased the creative talents of the participants.
After the official opening of the grand finale and award ceremony, RIFI-STIA’s head of Science and Innovations, Mr. Nabaasa Stuart presented to guests and partners the innovations and work that RIFI-STIA is doing to promote practical teaching and learning of science.
The event also featured practical demonstrations by some of the award recipients, who showcased their innovative teaching methods live. These Practical teachings were timed for about 5 minutes for each teacher and learners. These demonstrations included:
Muhito Primary School demonstrated an experiment in measuring the volume of an irregular object using items in the science kit they received from MoES. The demonstration was hands-on and engaged learners.
Nyakabungo Primary School demonstrated magnetism in which learners used items in the science kit to make a functional electro-magnet.
St Leonard Kyamulibwa Primary School demonstrated Electricity flow which also is practical and is one of the materials made at the STIA-RIFI workshop.
Kalinabiri Secondary School demonstrated a topic on measurements in Physics and used one activity in the Laboratory Instruction Manual.
Wakiso School of the Deaf demonstrated an experiment on water purification; a concept in Biology and learners invented an artificial system to mimic the natural system.
Agaba Willian from Aggrey Memorial Secondary School demonstrated moments of force and mass as one of the activities in the Physics Laboratory Instruction Manual.
These live demonstrations provided the audience with a firsthand experience of the practical teaching methods that have been successful in engaging learners and enhancing their understanding of scientific concepts.
Throughout the event, several speeches were delivered by distinguished guests, including RIFI-STIA Managing Director, Mr. Simuka Mohammed, Mr. Musingo Moses Maena, AC/GSE MoES, Dr. Cleophus Mugengi, Commissioner Basic Education MoES, Dr. Eddy Turyatemba, Asst Commissioner TVET, and Mr. Cale Santus, Curriculum Specialists NCDC. The speeches were opened by the Managing Director of RIFI-STIA; Mr. Simuka Mohammed who in his communication highlighted the mission and vision of RIFI-STIA and welcomed everyone in their own capacities. The Managing Director of RIFI-STIA invited the NCDC Curriculum specialist; Mr. Cale Santus who talked on behalf of NCDC concerning the practical teaching promoted by RIFI-STIA.
NCDC Specialist, Mr. Cale Santus addressing the participants of the PTC grand finale. In his communication, Cale Santus stressed the importance of transforming the approach teaching from cram work to practical work resulting in the development of transferrable skills and making learning simple and easy.
After the NCDC representative, the Managing Director; Mr. Simuka Mohammed invited the Assistant Commissioner TVET; Dr. Eddy Turyatemba to give his speech. This speech was followed by the address of Dr. Eddy Turyatemba, Assistant Commissioner TVET who emphasized the role of practical learning in shaping the future of learners, skills development, and socio-economic development.
This speech was followed by the address of Mr. Musingo Moses Maena, AC/GSE MoES who highlighted how the practical approach simplifies learning and leads to the development of transferrable skills.
The speeches were concluded by the Chief Guest; Commissioner Basic Education Ministry of Education and Sports; Dr. Cleophus Mugengi.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Cleophus Mugengi, Commissioner of Basic Education MoES, who delivered a keynote address on the future of science education in Uganda. The guest speaker emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and innovation in the classroom and commended the organizers for their efforts in promoting practical teaching. All the speeches covered a range of topics, from the importance of fostering a culture of innovation in education to the challenges and opportunities in science teaching in Uganda. The speakers also commended the efforts of River Flow International-Science Teaching and Innovations Africa (RIFI-STIA) in organizing the PTC and supporting educators in their professional development to teach science at both primary and secondary schools.
The Speakers advocated for support through intervention in different policies to ensure that both government and Private Schools embrace the Practical teaching approach.
