The “TEACHERS APP SINIDI” project is already in the advanced phase II. During this time, the effectiveness of the app will be extensively tested.
With the introduction of the “TEACHERS APP”, a free, video-based teacher coaching platform, our innovative project for the advanced training of teachers makes a decisive contribution to improving the quality of teaching and education done in Sierra Leone in West Africa. 90% of the teachers there do not yet have the pedagogical skills to teach effectively because there is a lack of qualified basic and advanced training in the country.
With the app, teachers can use online videos with exemplary teaching strategies on the basis of an existing pedagogical concept to expand their knowledge, e.g. about motivating students, preparing classrooms or promoting positive learning behavior, and train their skills.
Different scenarios were played out for the poor at state schools and at our low-cost private schools.
Two different models were used: – the SPM model (School Performance Manager), in which our dedicated team of instructors is externally responsible for a school unit, and – the PLG model (Peer Learning Groups), in which the teachers of a school meet regularly in small groups of 3 – 5 teachers.
The aim of the test phase was to learn more about the effectiveness of the SINIDI app by comparing the technology-based approach with the app and a more traditional paper-based approach.
The TEACHERS APP offers teachers step-by-step instructions for introducing, practicing and implementing a 15-basic teaching strategy. In contrast, the teacher PD kit is a printed, paper-based guide that is tailored to the app. A total of 270 teachers and school principals at state schools were trained in using the app and the PD teaching kit plus 80 teachers at the low-cost private schools in using the TEACHERS APP.
As a result, more than 30 schools carried out teacher training either under the direction of the SPM or through peer learning groups.
According to accompanying surveys on learned teaching strategies and motivation, already in phase II 65% of the teachers stated that they had experienced very large improvements in their professional skills. 35% said they had seen an improvement in their professional skills.
94% of the teachers stated that they had already improved after the learning units.
The final, Phase III of this project will focus on filming additional video content for the TEACHERS APP.
