By Abdou Mbye
Rotary Centennial Science Laboratory (RCSL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), on Friday, 5th April, concluded a four-day training programme to enhance the skills of physics and chemistry educators across all regions. Held at the Rotary Centennial Science Laboratory in Kanifing, the training focused on improving teaching delivery, particularly in practical applications with the goal of enhancing student performance.
Informed by nationwide research and engagement with science educators and school administrators, the training addresses the need to equip teachers with the necessary skills to conduct practical experiments effectively. The programme commenced with teachers from region one, featuring comprehensive presentations on the chief examiner’s reports and hands-on practical sessions.
Al-Amin Muhammad SaidyKhan, Centre Manager of the RCSL, urged the participants to seize the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from the training. He underscored the necessity of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in science subjects to better equip students for success.
In his remarks, Mr. Ousman Bah, Director of STED, highlighted the pivotal role of science in national development and the government’s commitment to advancing science education through initiatives like the Science and Technology Education Directorate. He stressed the importance of preparing students practically, as they represent the future workforce in fields such as engineering and medicine. He urged participants to make the most of the expertise provided by resource persons to support student learning.
Sheriff Janha, a physics teacher at Kairaba SSS, highlighted the significance of the training, stating that participants had gained valuable knowledge.
“The workshop was very much important because we learnt so much. We learnt about the mistakes that the students make in answering questions and conducting practical. It is important for us science teachers to have this training, as we get exposed to our challenges and weaknesses and as to what we should be improving on. All of us who have attended this training really gained much because this is what we expect. Usually knowledge evolves, and so we should be trained accordingly,” Mr Janha remarked.
