9th September 2023
The UBEC DRC held a two-day meeting with Blended Learning Experts to discuss and explore various aspects of blended learning methodologies ahead of the proposed school-based training in preparation for the commencement of academic activities in nine (9) Smart Schools across the Country.
The meeting deliberated on the observed strengths and weaknesses of the station rotation model in the two pilot schools. The experts also strategized on an improved and easily implementable learner-centred blended learning approach for the Model Smart Schools while reviewing and re-evaluating the training methodology, content and delivery techniques.
During the meeting, the experts shared experiences, insights and strategies to optimize the integration of digital technologies and traditional teaching methods. Given the challenges encountered from the recently concluded pilot third term, it was agreed that there is a need to review existing teaching approaches in line with global best practices on learner-centred pedagogy. This will help educators gain a deeper understanding of the instructional design principles required for effective blended learning implementation (the station rotation model in particular) in preparation for the planned take-off of nine smart schools in September 2023.
The objectives of the meeting were achieved through interactive group discussions among the blended learning team of experts, consequent upon which the best strategy was adopted in implementing the station rotation model. The strategy entailed having only two stations instead of the earlier three as operated during the pilot third term in Kano and Kwara Smart Schools. The reviewed current two stations will comprise the online and offline stations, while the initial third teacher-led station will only involve the teacher presenting the lesson in front of the class.