Teachers Trained on New Materials and Innovative Use of Technology

The materials, designed to help teachers use proven teaching techniques, include beautifully illustrated story collections, student readers, teachers' guides, and interactive audio instruction programs. These materials are based on the latest research on how children learn and emphasize key reading skills such as awareness of individual sounds in words and the ability to match sounds to letters. The materials also include English audio programs that allow teachers and students to regularly listen to clear pronunciation and fluent speakers, as well as math materials that enable children to gain key problem-solving skills and think mathematically. Teachers learned how to use the materials during two-day trainings held in Kigali and in each province from March 6-11, 2013. The trainings were attended by about 550 primary 1 and 2 teachers from 90 schools. During the trainings, teachers learned how to use ordinary Nokia phones and small, portable speakers to broadcast interactive audio instruction lessons in their classrooms. The programs guide teachers and students through fun, engaging lessons using songs, games, chants, and poems. An "audio teacher" models activities with "audio children, giving instructions to the teacher in the classroom. Teachers expressed their confidence that the new instructional materials and techniques will support quality teaching. The materials are experimental, and teachers from the 90 schools will provide feedback to finalize them. Student testing will determine whether the materials are positively impacting student learning. If the materials are effective, they will be distributed to all public schools across the country starting in 2014. The L3 Initiative is implemented by Education Development Center in partnership with REB and with assistance from Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), Concern Worldwide, International Education Exchange, and the Peace Corps. The L3 Initiative is funded by USAID and aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills among primary school students in Rwanda. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve education outcomes in Rwanda and to support the country's development goals. The initiative's focus on using technology to support teaching and learning is a key aspect of its approach, and the use of interactive audio instruction programs is a innovative approach to teaching and learning in Rwanda.