Our Theory of Change
Practical Education Network (PEN)’s vision is an Africa sustainably transformed by generations of problem-solvers. The key steps believed to enable the realization of this are outlined here.
This process begins with preparing key inputs, such as the dedication and expertise of PEN staff, the acquisition of grants and other funds, the execution of thorough needs assessments, collaboration with government partners (for example, Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education Liberia), and engagement with other local educational stakeholders.
First, low-cost, hands-on STEM content is created in line with the national curricula. This is prepared in various forms, including hands-on teacher resource manuals. Teachers are gathered for training, where they learn to use locally available materials to teach practical activities in their STEM classrooms, regardless of material resource constraints. They also receive a copy of the manual, suited for their subject, class and country.
As a result, teachers learn contextually relevant and feasible hands-on methods. They practice this skill set at the training and receive manuals to serve as a further resource. This leads to immediate changes: teachers complete their training and gain confidence to employ hands-on methods in their classrooms.
Next, teachers begin to regularly use hands-on methods in their teaching. This leads to students becoming more engaged and interested in their STEM lessons. They start to show better attitudes towards STEM. Students also begin to perform better in their STEM subject exams, demonstrating improved learning outcomes.
In the long run, as STEM pedagogy shifts from reliance on rote memorization ("chew and pour") to a new normal of hands-on, experiential learning, broader impacts are seen. Students develop critical thinking skills and they build project-based solutions to local challenges. A greater percentage of them persist in STEM trajectories, choosing to pursue STEM majors and careers in the future, opening up improved economic opportunities.
