TV and radio lessons improve teaching, learning at school

By James WANZALA

A school in Machakos County is using TV and radio to boost learning, attract and retain students at the institution.

The gadgets at Mumbuni Primary School, according to teachers, have improved academic performance.

Headmaster Jonathan Mulili noted the gadgets that teachers use during lessons have improved overall performance of both teachers and learners.

‘‘Currently, we have no cases of absenteeism and truancy as pupils are excited of video lessons and many come to class expecting to watch video and at the same time learn,” he said. Deputy head teacher Catherine Ngovu said the school’s mean score has improve since donors introduced the TV and radio lessons.

 Hard work

‘‘In 2011, the mean score was 254.2 and in 2012 after the introduction of the TV programmes, the mean score increased slightly to 254.6 with 19 pupils scoring 300 marks and above, which we attribute to video lessons in addition to hard work and discipline,’’ she told Education.

Great improvement has been noted in sciences, maths, social studies and languages and in early childhood classes.

‘‘Students have been taught different ways of solving mathematical problems, spelling, composition writing and pronunciation. In science, they are able to viewplants germinate practically and see different kinds of animals, some of which they only used to hear about. This gives them confidence and makes them creative after watching,’’ said the deputy headmaster. The initiative uses flat screen TV sets and DVD player machines.

Teachers have a TV set in staff room where they prepare for lessons by first previewing them before they go to teach.

 Apart from syllabus subjects, the DVDs also have lessons on environmental conservation that triggered pupils to start Eco Club. The pupils discuss environmental matters, which they apply in school and at their respective homes.

A pupil  Tom Kilonzo said TV lessons have enlightened them since they see things practically as it happens in real life.

Machakos DEO Richard Midamba said the initiative is introducing technology to children as well as enhance learning.

‘‘I believe that if more donors and education stakeholders will come in and the programme is launched in the entire district, it will have great impact on education,’’ he said of the initiative spearheaded by Coca Cola.

He challenged parents to change their attitude towards education and ensure their children go to school rather than harvest sand and ballast as it happens in areas like Kalama.