Improving peer facilitation of communities of learning for effective school- based teacher professional development

Introduction

Supported by the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) Facility, this project enhances the national Teacher Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) framework by improving the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) for peer facilitators. It introduces new platform functions and training content tailored to peer facilitators, alongside offline accessibility solutions such as Raspberry Pi devices. These improvements will empower peer facilitators to facilitate stronger Communities of Learning (CoLs), increasing teacher engagement with professional development modules.

In Tanzania, peer facilitators play a crucial role in supporting teachers within the national TCPD programme, known as MEWAKA . However, many peer facilitators lack adequate digital tools and structured training, limiting their ability to effectively support CoLs. Additionally, access to digital learning resources remains a challenge due to connectivity and infrastructure gaps.

The project focuses on strengthening peer facilitator capacity and improving access to TCPD digital resources. To achieve this, the LMS will be enhanced with peer facilitator-focused content and user-friendly features. In addition , peer facilitators in 12 targeted schools will receive digital and pedagogical training. Raspberry Pi devices will be deployed to help teachers access training materials without internet connectivity. The project will also promote the national adoption of TCPD innovations through research and collaboration with government stakeholders.

Objectives

Overall objective: Develop the knowledge of peer facilitators and provide them with the skills and resources they need to convene effective, relevant and context-specific Teacher Continuous Professional Development sessions in Tanzanian schools.

Project activities

• Develop content and function prototypes and test it with peer facilitators in target districts using an agile approach and time-limited sprints.
• Design and deliver digital skills training for peer facilitators.
• Conduct training on functionality and maintenance with peer facilitators, District ICT Officers, Heads of Schools, and other personnel to be determined with Regional Education Officers.
• Write and publish a journal article in a high-quality, peer-reviewed journal.

(Expected) results

• Ensure the LMS is equipped with content and functions tailored to peer facilitator needs.
• Improve the quality of peer-facilitated Communities of Learning in all 12 target schools.
• 12 schools previously unable to access and/or use the LMS can now regularly use the LMS to implement MEWAKA in their school contexts (e.g., via offline modalities such as Raspberry Pis).
• Findings from the project are disseminated through an international, peer-reviewed journal.

Implementing Partners

Enabel, Results for Development (R4D), Jigsaw Education, Brink, Open Development & Education.