Training of teachers of language 171 views1 applications

Kenya is a multilingual country with over forty different indigenous languages. The language in education policy for early grade education was enacted in 1976. Subsequent education commissions have not altered its core content. Mother tongues should be used as languages of instruction up to grade three – assumedly taking its cue from UNESCO’s (1953) position that mother tongues are ideal for early education. English takes over as the language of instruction from grade four. The mother tongue policy applies to all schools except those in urban centres in which Kiswahili should be the medium of instruction. (Nyakundi, 2017)

Africa Educational Trust in Kenya has been implementing education programs supporting the language in education policy in Laikipia North where the predominant language is Maa. The program which has now been implemented for the past 6 years has evolved through several stages which started off by training teachers on how to teach mother tongue within the schools. The trained teachers were Maa speaks of the language and the results of this initiative were very positive with about 50% of children transitioning through the stage of language development within the first two terms of the school years. Over the years AET has also worked closely with teachers of English and subject teachers emphasizing the role they play in language development and ensuring the transition from L1 to L2 is well supported to ensure the children are not disadvantaged.

During the period AET has also been able to engage in several policy discussions revolving around the role of language in education in school, community and role in adult literacy programmes which AET have also been engaged in. At the school level the local education office has acknowledged the significant change in performance amongst learners, change in learning environment and improvement in class participation. On an annual basis AET has continued to monitor progress as well as carry out assessments to generate evidence of improvement. Noted is that on average about 80% of the learners within the project schools are not able to read fluently both in English and in Maa. However, coaching visits and fidelity monitoring visits reveal that learners are still struggling at the comprehension stage. Teachers have confirmed the same and requested for support.

AET therefore proposes to engage a consultant in two days of teacher training focusing on:

· Strategies and techniques to teach learners comprehension with an emphasis of how to encourage learners to engage thinking skills whilst reading.

· Language assessment with an interest to assess if learners have understood what they are reading both during in class reading or reading for leisure after class.

· Approaches highlighting learner centered approaches in teaching language that discourage gender disparity and enhance positive learning outcomes.

The consultant will be expected to:

1) Provide AET with a comprehensive monitoring tool to enable effective monitoring of the language teachers.

2) Advice on the best approach to establish professional community of practice to enhance to peer to peer learning and support.

3) Provide an elaborate report of the training highlighting key follow up points and recommendations for further support. Report to be provided within 5 days of completion of training.

Qualification:

· Proven track record training in-service teachers on language and preferred experience working with teachers from a pastoral context

· Proof that he/she has a strong understanding of the Kenyan curriculum and especially on the Kenyan language policy in education.

· Have a track record of experience teaching English, Kiswahili or mother tongue within the Kenyan context

· Academic qualifications: should be a post-graduate in education from a recognized institution of high learning with proven track record of experience.

· At least 5 years of professional experience in conducting in-service teacher training

· Extensive conceptual and practical knowledge on language in education

· Demonstrated ability of report on training work

· Excellent communication skills in Kiswahili and English on both written and verbal

Time frame

The consultant will come with a technical proposal indicating the number of days (6 days maximum) for the consultancy work with a realistic action plan. The date and the time frame for executing the work will be jointly agreed between the consultant and AET

Supervision and Management

The overall supervision of the consultant will rest with AET, the contracting agency. The consultant will report to the Country Manager (or a designated manager). The AET Field Coordinator based in Doldol will provide day-to-day supervision and support to the consultant.

Terms and Conditions

· Logistics: The consultant’s travel from base to the field and back after the end of the contract, food, and accommodation will be covered by AET.

· Professional fee: The consultants will come up with their own rate as part of the financial proposal.

· Tax and insurance: The consultant shall be responsible for his/her income tax and/or insurance during the assignment. However, the minimum statutory requirement of 5% withholding tax shall be applied by AET for compliance.

· Code of conduct & safeguarding: Based on AET’s code of conduct, which all staff members must adhere to, the consultant is bound by the principles and conditions of this code of conduct. The consultant is also expected to comply with AET’s standards of safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults

· A contract will be signed between AET and the consultant before commencement of the work which will detail additional terms and conditions of service, aspects on inputs and deliverables

Application requirements:

Expressions of interest should include:

· Technical proposal maximum 3 pages highlighting a brief explanation about the consultant with particular emphasis on previous experience in this kind of work, profile of the consultant, understanding of the TOR, the task accomplished as well draft work plan

· Financial proposal: the financial proposal should provide cost estimates for services to be rendered including daily consultancy fees but excluding accommodation and living costs; transport cost; stationeries and supplies needed

· Copy of CV, testimonials and at least two copies of reports of similar work undertaken elsewhere