We've had a really busy couple of months here at RAISE: Gambia- ranging from appointing our new in-country programme manager- Mr Joof to beginning the preparation of our WASSCE summer workshops. Prepare for a several updates over the coming days/weeks!
To start us off- a couple of weeks ago we ran the first of 2024's Teacher Development workshops. To find out a bit more about what they're about take a look at our web page on them, here.
Our first workshop of the year was focused on the re-launch, and re-introduction of Lab in the Cab to teachers at local schools- giving them the knowledge, and opportunity to try the experiments themselves before delivering the practical lessons to their students.
The day was a roaring success with 27 teachers from several Upper Basic Secondary schools attending the day-long workshop based at Sifoe Senior Secondary School. At the start of the day teachers separated into four groups to begin a carousel of half-hour sessions in which they had the opportunity to get hands-on with the practical experiment kits Steve re-stocked during a visit he made in the February half term. Teachers were able to get practised with an array of experiments, including;
Microscopy of onion cells
Investigating osmosis, and solubility
Acids and bases
Food tests
Laws of reflection
Making electric circuits
This workshop really beneficial for both sides involved as it not only allowed teachers to get hands on with equipment like microscopes and ray boxes (which up to 90% of them hadn't ever seen before), but it helped us gain a bigger picture as to where we are needing to develop our materials and resources for Lab in a Cab. This will allow us to improve the accessibility of the resources, as well as build teacher confidence in their usage and delivery.
From this first workshop we're also planning on creating feedback-based training packages for teachers and schools in the programme that can be delivered at the end of each term to enhance their practical teaching toolkit for the following term, as well as following this up to see what is and isn't working.
We're really excited for the next round of teacher development workshops, and are hoping to bring more schools into the programme.
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