Education and Skilling of Children

AWYAD is committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning by promoting teacher professional development. This involves enhancing the capacity of teachers in various evidence-based pedagogical approaches. Each approach is carefully selected and implemented to address the diverse needs of learners, ensuring that education is both effective and inclusive.

AWYAD enhances teachers’ capacity in Child-Centered Learning approach. Child-centered learning focuses on the needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles of learners. This approach encourages active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It shifts the focus from teacher-led instruction to a more interactive and participatory model where learners take an active role in their education. The importance of child-centered learning lies in its ability to foster independence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter. AWYAD supports the implementation of this approach by training teachers to create learner-focused lesson plans, use interactive teaching methods, and develop activities that engage learners in meaningful ways.

AWYAD enhances teachers’ capacity in Competency-Based Learning approach. Competency-based learning emphasizes the acquisition of skills and knowledge at the learner’s own pace. It focuses on mastering specific competencies rather than merely completing a set curriculum within a fixed time frame. This approach is important because it ensures that learners truly understand and can apply what they have learned, which is critical for their future success. AWYAD aids in the implementation of competency-based learning by providing teachers with the necessary tools and training to assess learners’ competencies accurately and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

AWYAD is also focusing on enhancing teachers’ capacity in Technology-Enhanced Learning approach. Technology-enhanced learning incorporates digital tools and resources to facilitate and improve the learning process. This approach can include the use of computers, tablets, educational software, and the internet to access information and collaborate with others. The importance of technology-enhanced learning lies in its ability to provide learners with access to a vast array of resources, support personalized learning, and prepare them for a technology-driven world. AWYAD supports schools by providing the necessary technological infrastructure, training teachers in the effective use of technology, and integrating digital resources into the curriculum.

AWYAD also promotes Play-Based Learning among teachers as a key teaching and learning approach. Play-based learning uses play as a medium for teaching and learning. This approach is particularly effective for learners at early childhood learning level, as it promotes cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Through play, early learners explore, experiment, and discover new concepts in a natural and enjoyable way. The importance of play-based learning lies in its ability to make learning engaging and meaningful, thereby fostering a lifelong love for learning. AWYAD supports this approach by providing teachers with training on how to integrate play into the curriculum and supplying play materials that facilitate learning through play.

AWYAD also promotes Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). AWYAD promotes SEL by training teachers to incorporate social-emotional learning into their daily interactions with learners and by providing resources and activities that support SEL development. Social-emotional learning focuses on developing learners’ social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL is important because it helps learners manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions, all of which are essential for academic and life success.

AWYAD implements Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) by training teachers to assess learners’ abilities accurately and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. Teaching at the Right Level is an approach that assesses learners’ current learning levels and groups them according to their abilities rather than their age or grade. This method ensures that instruction is tailored to the specific needs of each learner, allowing them to progress at their own pace. The importance of TARL lies in its ability to bridge learning gaps and ensure that no learner is left behind.

AWYAD supports remedial learning by offering specialized training for teachers in remedial instruction techniques and by providing supplementary learning materials and resources. Remedial learning provides additional support to learners who are struggling with certain subjects or concepts. This approach is designed to help learners catch up with their peers and achieve the required competency levels. The importance of remedial learning is that it addresses learning gaps and ensures that all learners have the opportunity to succeed academically.

AWYAD supports home-based learning by developing comprehensive home-based learning programs, training parents and caregivers in educational practices, and supplying necessary materials and resources to facilitate learning at home. Home-based learning involves educating learners in their homes, either through parental instruction or via online resources. This approach is particularly useful in situations where learners cannot attend school due to health issues, geographical barriers, or other constraints. The importance of home-based learning lies in its ability to provide continuity in education, regardless of circumstances.

AWYAD further supports schools in adopting and implementing these learning approaches by providing instructional and learning materials specifically designed for each method. To ensure the effective application of these approaches, AWYAD also monitors the implementation process and provides ongoing mentorship and coaching support to teachers. This continuous support helps teachers refine their skills, stay updated with the latest educational practices, and ultimately enhance the quality of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Through these comprehensive efforts, AWYAD is dedicated to creating an educational environment that is dynamic, inclusive, and conducive to the holistic development of every learner.

In terms ensuring that learners are receiving quality learning, AWYAD supports schools in assessing the quality of learning through a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach.
At the ECE level, AWYAD emphasizes the importance of early assessment to identify the developmental progress and learning needs of young learners. This begins with training teachers and caregivers in the use of various assessment tools and techniques that are developmentally appropriate. These tools include observational checklists, anecdotal records, and structured assessments that focus on key areas such as cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. AWYAD ensures that these assessments are carried out in a playful and engaging manner to maintain the natural learning environment of young children. In addition to teacher-led assessments, AWYAD promotes parental involvement in the assessment process. By engaging parents through workshops and informational sessions, AWYAD helps them understand the importance of early assessments and how they can support their children’s learning at home. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic understanding of each learner’s progress, combining insights from both the classroom and the home environment.

At the primary level, AWYAD supports schools in implementing a variety of formative and summative assessment methods to gauge the quality of learning. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, classwork, and interactive activities, are used regularly to provide immediate feedback to learners and guide instructional adjustments. These assessments help teachers identify learners’ strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for timely interventions. Summative assessments, including end-of-term exams and standardized tests, are used to evaluate overall learning outcomes and ensure that learners meet established academic standards. AWYAD works closely with schools to ensure that these assessments are fair, reliable, and aligned with the curriculum. Teachers are trained in creating and administering these assessments, as well as in analyzing the results to identify trends and patterns in learner performance.

AWYAD also recognizes the importance of teacher evaluation in assessing the quality of learning. Through regular classroom observations and performance appraisals, AWYAD provides constructive feedback to teachers, helping them to refine their instructional techniques and improve learner outcomes. This process is complemented by mentorship and coaching programs, where experienced educators provide guidance and support to their peers.

AWYAD uses three key assessment tools including the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA), Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA), and the International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA). These tools are instrumental in evaluating the foundational skills that are crucial for learners’ academic success and overall development.

The Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) is a critical tool used by AWYAD to assess the reading abilities of learners in the early grades. This assessment measures various aspects of reading, including letter recognition, phonemic awareness, word reading, and reading comprehension. By administering EGRA, AWYAD helps schools identify learners who are struggling with reading, allowing for timely interventions to improve literacy skills. The data collected from EGRA assessments provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of reading instruction and highlight areas that require additional focus and support. AWYAD trains teachers on how to administer EGRA and interpret the results, ensuring that they can use the findings to tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of their learners.

Similarly, the Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) is employed to evaluate the mathematical abilities of young learners. EGMA focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts such as number recognition, counting, basic operations, and problem-solving skills. This assessment is crucial for identifying learners who need additional support in mathematics and for informing instructional practices. AWYAD provides training for teachers on administering EGMA and analyzing the results, enabling them to identify gaps in learners’ mathematical understanding and to implement targeted interventions. The use of EGMA ensures that learners build a strong foundation in mathematics, which is essential for their future academic success.

The International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) is another key tool used by AWYAD to assess the developmental and early learning skills of young children. IDELA evaluates a range of domains including motor skills, early literacy, early numeracy, socio-emotional development, and executive functioning. This comprehensive assessment provides a holistic view of a child’s development and readiness for school. AWYAD uses IDELA to gather baseline data on children’s developmental progress, identify areas where support is needed, and track improvements over time. By implementing IDELA, AWYAD helps schools ensure that children receive the appropriate support to develop the necessary skills for a successful transition to formal education.