English language professionals across Africa have raised concern over a growing shortage of teachers and inadequate preparedness for curriculum reforms, warning that the challenges are undermining efforts to improve learning outcomes across the continent.
The educators noted that many countries have rolled out competency-based and learner-centred curricula, yet thousands of teachers have not been sufficiently retooled to effectively implement the changes.
Persistent staffing shortages, they said, continue to strain classrooms and increase teachers’ workloads.
The concerns were raised during the 10th International Conference of the Africa English Language Teachers Association (AELTA) at Zetech University, which brought together educators from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania and other North African countries to exchange experiences and discuss innovations in language teaching.
AELTA President Mahamba Sebastian said curriculum reforms across Africa require teachers to adopt new teaching approaches and embrace technology-driven learning.
“There has been a shift in teaching and learning occasioned by technological advancements and most teachers haven’t been able to shift with time and this has greatly affected teaching in most African countries,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Education stakeholders advocate digital skills and professional development for teachers
He noted that overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching and learning materials and teacher shortages continue to hamper effective delivery of English language education, forcing educators to increasingly embrace online and digital learning platforms.
“It’s becoming overwhelming for teachers handling crowded classrooms and also the adoption of the new competence based curriculums by African governments call for proper and adequate retooling of our teachers,” Mahamba said.
AELTA Immediate Former President Rethabile Mawela called on governments to invest more in teacher training and digital infrastructure, saying many educators have struggled to keep pace with rapid technological changes.
The Chairperson of the English Language Professionals Association of Kenya (ELPAK), Fredrick Odhiambo, said many teachers have not received adequate training to effectively implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and emerging teaching approaches.
According to organisers, the conference provided an important platform for English language professionals to network, share experiences and explore emerging trends shaping education across Africs
By John Kamau
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
