News & Updates
News & Media
CTLE Retreat on Faculty Handbook Development
From July 2nd to 5th, 2024, KCA University Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence hosted the CTLE Retreat at Peaks Hotel Nanyuki, which focused on the development of a comprehensive Faculty Handbook. The event was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor & CEO of KCA University, Prof. Isaiah I.C. Wakindiki who highlighted the critical role a well-structured handbook plays in fostering academic excellence and supporting faculty members. This four-day workshop was a collaborative effort involving Faculty, Administrative staff, and Academic leaders, all working together to draft and refine key handbook sections. The primary objectives were to standardize academic procedures, enhance faculty support, and promote innovative teaching strategies.
Mastering Online and Blended Teaching: Essential Faculty Training Guide
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, faculty training is pivotal, especially in the realms of online and blended teaching. With the digital revolution transforming traditional classrooms, educators must adeptly navigate virtual platforms and blended learning environments to ensure effective instruction. Let's delve into the crucial aspects of faculty training for online and blended teaching, exploring why it's essential and how it can be optimized for success.
Why Faculty Training Matters
Effective teaching in online and blended formats demands more than just subject expertise; it requires proficiency in digital tools, pedagogical strategies, and student engagement techniques. Faculty training serves as the cornerstone for equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these environments.- Digital Literacy: With technology integrated into every aspect of education, faculty must be digitally literate to leverage online platforms effectively. Training sessions cover essential tools and software, ranging from Learning Management Systems (LMS) to multimedia resources, empowering educators to create engaging virtual learning experiences.
- Pedagogical Adaptation: Transitioning from traditional to online or blended teaching necessitates a shift in pedagogical approaches. Faculty training workshops delve into effective online instructional strategies, such as asynchronous learning activities, interactive multimedia content, and collaborative projects, fostering a student-centered approach conducive to virtual learning environments.
- Student Engagement Techniques: Keeping students engaged in virtual classrooms poses unique challenges. Faculty training equips educators with innovative techniques to foster interaction and participation, including virtual breakout rooms, discussion forums, gamified learning activities, and multimedia-rich content delivery.
Optimizing Faculty Training for Success
To ensure the efficacy of faculty training for online and blended teaching, institutions can implement several strategies:- Tailored Workshops: Offer specialized training workshops catering to the diverse needs of faculty members, ranging from beginners to advanced users. Tailoring content to specific disciplines and teaching contexts enhances relevance and applicability.
- Ongoing Support: Facilitate continuous professional development through ongoing support mechanisms, such as mentorship programs, online resources, and peer learning communities. Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing fosters a culture of innovation and growth among educators.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Solicit feedback from faculty participants to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and identify areas for improvement. Incorporating feedback loops enables institutions to refine training content and delivery methods to better meet the evolving needs of educators.
- Certification Programs: Recognize faculty achievements in online and blended teaching through certification programs. Accredited certifications validate educators' competencies and serve as professional credentials, enhancing their career prospects and institutional reputation.
Empowering Curriculum Excellence: Insights from Phase 2 of the Curriculum Development Workshop
In April 2024, the Curriculum Development Workshop continued its transformative journey with Phase 2, welcoming Cohort 3 Faculty Administrators and Full-time Faculty members from the Western Campus in Kisumu. This phase was dedicated to further enhancing curriculum development and review processes, with a focus on integrating competency-based approaches. Throughout the workshop, participants were guided by specific training objectives aimed at fostering curriculum excellence:
- Deepening Understanding of Educational Philosophies: Participants delved into educational philosophies to effectively articulate their institution's curricular vision, fostering clarity and alignment with educational goals.
- Empowering Informed Decision-Making: The workshop empowered participants to make informed decisions by aligning curricular goals with established standards, ensuring educational quality and relevance.
- Exploring Innovative Learning Strategies: Through the exploration of active learning strategies and the integration of technology, participants discovered creative methods to create engaging and interactive learning experiences.
- Enhancing Assessment and Feedback Proficiency: Participants honed their skills in designing effective assessment and feedback strategies, recognizing their crucial role in promoting student learning and development.
- Embracing Contemporary Educational Trends: The workshop provided insights into contemporary educational trends, enabling participants to tailor instruction to meet the diverse and evolving needs of learners effectively.
Enriching Curriculum Expertise: Highlights from Phase 2 of the Curriculum Development Workshop
In April 2024, the Curriculum Development Workshop entered its second phase, welcoming Cohort 2 Faculty Administrators and Full-time Faculty members. This phase was instrumental in advancing curriculum development and review processes, with a particular emphasis on integrating competency-based approaches. Throughout the workshop, participants collaboratively pursued the following specific training objectives:
- Deepening Understanding of Educational Philosophies: Participants delved into educational philosophies, equipping them to effectively articulate their institution's curricular vision with clarity and purpose.
- Empowering Informed Decision-Making: The workshop empowered participants to make well-informed decisions by aligning curricular goals with established standards, ensuring educational excellence and relevance.
- Exploring Innovative Learning Strategies: Through the exploration of active learning strategies and the seamless integration of technology, participants uncovered novel approaches to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
- Enhancing Assessment and Feedback Proficiency: Participants honed their skills in designing effective assessment and feedback strategies, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering student growth and achievement.
- Embracing Contemporary Educational Trends: The workshop facilitated insightful discussions on contemporary educational trends, enabling participants to tailor instruction to meet the evolving needs of learners effectively.
Advancing Curriculum Excellence: Insights from Phase 2 of the Curriculum Development Workshop
In March 2024, the Curriculum Development Workshop entered its second phase, welcoming Cohort 1 Faculty Administrators and Full-time Faculty members. This pivotal phase focused on further enhancing curriculum development and review processes, particularly emphasizing the integration of competency-based approaches. Throughout the workshop, participants worked collaboratively to achieve the following specific training objectives:
- Embracing Educational Philosophies: Participants deepened their understanding of educational philosophies, equipping them to effectively articulate their institution's curricular vision.
- Empowering Informed Decision-Making: The workshop empowered participants to make informed decisions by aligning curricular goals with established standards, ensuring quality and relevance.
- Exploring Innovative Learning Strategies: Through exploration of active learning strategies and the integration of technology, participants discovered methods to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences.
- Mastering Assessment and Feedback: Participants honed their skills in designing effective assessment and feedback strategies, crucial for fostering student growth and achievement.
- Embracing Educational Trends: The workshop facilitated discussions on contemporary educational trends, enabling participants to tailor instruction to meet the evolving needs of students effectively.
Empowering Educational Leaders: A Recap of the Curriculum Development Workshop
In February 2024, educational leaders gathered for a transformative Curriculum Development Workshop. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance curriculum design and implementation. Throughout the intensive training, participants delved into various aspects of curriculum development, with a focus on the following objectives:
- Grasping Educational Philosophies: Participants gained a deeper understanding of educational philosophies to effectively articulate their institution's curricular vision.
- Facilitating Informed Decision-Making: Empowering participants to make informed decisions, the workshop emphasized aligning curricular goals with established standards.
- Exploring Active Learning Strategies: Through exploration of active learning strategies and integration of technology, participants discovered methods to create engaging learning experiences.
- Mastering Assessment and Feedback: The workshop provided a platform for participants to develop proficiency in designing effective assessment and feedback strategies, essential for student growth and success.
- Embracing Educational Trends: Participants were immersed in contemporary educational trends, fostering an understanding of tailored instruction to meet evolving student needs.
During the first phase of the workshop, held from February 20th to 22nd, 2024, Deans, Directors, and Course Organizers (CODs) came together to embark on this journey of professional development and innovation. As leaders in education, their participation in the workshop signifies a commitment to driving positive change and ensuring quality education for all. Stay tuned for more insights and updates as we continue to empower educational leaders in shaping the future of learning.
Research Philosophy Seminar for Master’s Students
The School of Graduate Studies organized a virtual research philosophy seminar for all Master's students on 14th February 2024. Professor Simon Ngigi, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), facilitated the session.
Workshop: Aligning Teacher Education Programs with TSC and CUE Requirements
The School of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), hosted a workshop from February 7th to 9th, 2024, at Sports View Hotel Kasarani. This workshop focused on aligning teacher education programs with the standards set forth by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Commission for University Education (CUE).
CTLE Committee Convenes Virtually
On February 6th, 2024, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) committee held a virtual meeting. The agenda focused on welcoming new members and familiarizing them with the committee's responsibilities. Additionally, the committee reviewed the CTLE's 2023 report and discussed and approved the work plan for 2024. Committee Members:
- Dr. Priscila Gachigi, Chairperson
- Prof. Simon Ngigi, Secretary
- Dr. Paul Abuonji, Member
- Ms. Salome Masinde, Member
- Dr. Peter Njuguna, Member
- Prof. Renson Muchiri, Member
- CPA. Faustin Mwinzi, Member
Faculty Orientation Session at KCAU
On January 31st, 2024, the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) hosted a virtual faculty orientation session. This session aimed to equip new faculty members with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive at KCA University (KCAU). The orientation covered a range of essential topics, including:
- Adapting to the KCAU environment (virtual/remote and blended learning)
- University examination processes
- Research support services
- Library and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources
- Quality Assurance procedures