In-service teacher training is a critical part of equipping teachers with the skills and techniques needed to be able to effectively use the new primary curriculum materials in the classroom and ulitmately improve student learning

In October 2018, a team of 60 Master Trainers at national level and 611 Provincial trainers were selected to support the implementation of the new primary curriculum. These teams are currently undertaking preparation activities for the in-service training and support. Preparation activities for trainers started in December 2018 and January 2019 when the 60 Master Trainers received two weeks of intensive training. The purpose of the training was to build the capacity of Master Trainers to plan and deliver effective training.

The Master Trainers are now delivering the same training to the 611 Provincial trainers through a series of five-day workshops organized in the eighteen provinces.

The training workshops build on the existing skills and knowledge of the Provincial Trainers, including activities to identify the range of existing strengths and capacities in the team. Participants work on identifying and developing the necessary skills and attitudes for success as a trainer, and on developing a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as Provincial Trainers. Classroom and demonstration video observation activities provide an opportunity for the participants to develop an understanding of the primary classroom context, and to compare the different teaching approaches in the old and new primary curriculum. A key focus on building Provincial Trainers’ facilitation skills is reinforced by a day of training practice, with participants testing delivery of training content.

Provincial Trainers will play a crucial role in the success of the implementation of the new Grade 1 curriculum through the face-to-face training of more than 16,000 Grade 1 teachers, primary principals and pedagogical advisors in July and August 2019.