Train‐the‐trainers Biology Workshop as a Useful Science Advocacy Tool: An Impact Assessment and Emerging Issues for Science Education

Abstract

Introduction Science advocacy tool assessment is essential for ensuring improved and more beneficial science education, especially in resource-poor countries where science education is underfunded. This study assessed the impact of a train-the-trainer biology workshop (TTTBW) as a useful instrument for science advocacy and biology teacher training. Method Thirty-one biology teachers (30% male and 70% female) were competitively selected from 25 secondary schools in urban areas of Anambra State, Nigeria, based on a self-reported assessment of knowledge transfer ability. These teachers were trained to become future workshop trainers for other biology teachers within their schools. They participated in a two-day TTTBW, where they were taught pre-identified need-based topics in professional teacher development, including A) Effective communication skills for biology teaching; B) Teaching management skills; C) Dynamics of child education; D) New pedagogical skills in teaching Biology; E) Strategies for targeted Assessment in Biology and, F) Adaptation of Biology teaching for resource-poor countries. Pre and post-workshop impact assessment interviews were also carried out through an online form and self-administered questionnaire, respectively. Pre and post-test were also done on the topics taught, and the data were analyzed. Results There was a significant increase in the post-test scores of the teachers in topics taught (A-C) when compared to the pre-test scores (p= 0.00, 0.00, and 0.004, respectively). After the workshop, the interest in teaching biology increased in most of the participants (91%) compared to 23% before the workshop. Conclusion TTTBW can improve biology teaching interest and knowledge based on critical professional teaching competencies among biology teachers. Significance and Implication TTTBW is a potent tool for science advocacy and professional development for teachers and exhibits scale-up potentials for maximal impact, especially in resource-poor countries.