The latest UPSTU ProDev Hour session, held on January 16, 2025, was a highly engaging and insightful gathering centered around the theme: Project Work and Innovation for Teachers in Uganda. The guest speaker, Namisi Geoffrey, a seasoned national trainer in chemistry at the Ministry of Education and Sports, captivated the audience with his practical insights and expert guidance. Hosted by Auma, the session provided a platform for teachers to explore innovative teaching methods, address challenges, and share their experiences.
Welcome and Session Overview
Auma opened the session with a warm welcome, introducing Namisi Geoffrey as a leading figure in the science education field. Namisi’s presentation revolved around the transformative role of project work and innovation in education. He highlighted how these approaches foster critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and teamwork among students. Namisi urged participants to embrace project-based learning as a means to prepare students for real-world challenges, stimulate curiosity, and encourage imaginative solutions.
Key Highlights of the Session
1. Performance Tasks vs. Projects
Namisi delved into the distinction between performance tasks and projects, particularly in the context of the lower secondary curriculum:
- Performance Tasks: Structured, with a clear procedure and focus on a single subject.
- Projects: Open-ended, interdisciplinary, and centered on real-life issues or problems.
He stressed the importance of individual ownership and student-driven initiatives, showcasing examples of successful projects implemented in schools. Participants shared their experiences, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas.
2. Promoting Problem-Based Learning in Science
Namisi championed problem-based learning (PBL) as a key strategy in science education. He shared some inspiring examples from schools where students engaged in.
He emphasized the need to shift from theoretical teaching to practical, inquiry-based approaches. However, he also pointed out the lack of documentation for such projects, urging teachers to maintain records and celebrate their students’ work.
3. Guiding Learners in Project Planning
Namisi underscored the importance of guiding learners through the project planning process, which involves:
- Establishing and justifying a problem.
- Explaining its significance and potential consequences if unresolved.
- Listing and justifying required resources.
To ensure manageability, he recommended a maximum of two projects per term. He also discussed scoring criteria, including alignment to themes, justification, methodology, and implementation strategy. Namisi highlighted the professional development opportunities for teachers arising from project-based learning.
Challenges and Strategies in Project-Based Learning
Namisi candidly addressed the challenges faced in implementing project-based learning:
- Limited Resources: He advised leveraging local materials and resources to reduce costs.
- High Student-Teacher Ratios: Collaboration and subject integration can help manage workloads.
- Lack of Teacher Training: Continuous professional development is essential.
- Limited Access to Technology: He encouraged the use of innovative solutions.
Namisi also discouraged the unnecessary purchase of materials from outside localities, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community involvement.
Q & A Session
Participants shared their concerns and sought clarification on various issues, including:
- Scoring Projects in Senior One and Two: Namisi explained that early projects serve as preparation for more complex projects in later years.
- Funding: Auma clarified that while local materials should be prioritized, administrative support may be required for certain projects. The government discourages schools from imposing additional financial burdens on parents.
The conversation highlighted the need for creative solutions to overcome funding challenges and emphasized the value of facilitators in fostering a culture of innovation.
Collaboration, Innovation, and Publicizing Success
Namisi emphasized the critical role of collaboration and partnerships among departments for project success. He encouraged participation in science fairs and exhibitions, noting their potential to:
- Strengthen relationships with parents.
- Open business opportunities for students.
- Contribute to national goals, such as the President’s target of 7,500 innovations.
He also highlighted the importance of record-keeping and publicizing student projects to inspire broader engagement and recognition.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the session drew to a close, Namisi and Auma expressed gratitude for the participants’ enthusiasm and contributions. They encouraged attendees to prepare for upcoming programs and competitions, and to share their schools’ innovations with the Uganda Professional Science Teachers Union (UPSTU).
Auma reminded everyone of the next ProDev Hour session, urging them to continue embracing project-based learning and innovation in their teaching practices. This inspiring session left participants equipped with practical strategies and renewed motivation to transform their classrooms into hubs of creativity and innovation.
Stay tuned for the next UPSTU ProDev Hour!