1. University of Rwanda- College of Education (UR-CE), Rwanda
Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence Project (ACE II)
Briefing on the ACE for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS)
University of Rwanda- College of Education (UR-CE), Rwanda
Kigali
24 January, 2017

2. Context and Specific Development challenge(s)
Major challenges of Mathematics and science education in East African Community (EAC):
(i) a significant curriculum disconnect between outcomes and real world experiences,
(ii) poor research outcomes to inform policy,
(iii) shortage of well qualified science and mathematics educators,
(iv) low level of integration of new technologies in teaching and learning,
(v) insufficient number of students at postgraduate level, and
(vi) gender imbalance in both staff and students.
To address the above challenges, the UR-CE proposed ACEITLMS, which will expand its activities beyond Rwanda in partnership with other institutions across the region and worldwide.

3. -research and training, and -community engagement.
Centre Objectives
ACEITLMS will concentrate on strengthening the capacity to deliver teaching and research in University of Rwanda and other universities in the region as well as to improve teaching and learning in schools of the region.
The centre will encompass the three major activities namely:
-bringing innovation into teaching and learning,
-research and training, and
-community engagement.
In all these, the centre will consider integration of ICT and inclusiveness. This will have a multiplier effect both in Rwanda and in the region.

4. Centre Activities
(i) Teaching and learning: The centre will:
 support the development and implementation of curriculum reforms: The centre will offer the following programs: MEd in Mathematics and Science Education; PhD in Mathematics and Science Education;
facilitate the delivery of innovative pedagogical approaches to various educators to enable them implement the national and regional educational goals.
(ii) Research and trainings: The centre will:
conduct and support research in the field of mathematics and science education aiming at addressing societal needs.
provide training and support in building research and teaching/learning capacity
(iii) Community engagement

5. National and Regional Benefits/Impact of the Proposed Activities
The centre will conduct and support research in the field of mathematics and science education aiming at addressing societal needs. Action research will be integrated in all programs to solve tangible problems in science and mathematics education; which will inform policy and improve quality of education at all levels.
It will deliver indispensable training and support in building capacity of educators in the region to improve research and teaching/learning at all levels of education, which will lead to the development of any partner sector in country and across the region.
ACEITLMS will be a leader ensuring broad-based approaches towards equity, with respect to gender, disability, rural and regional dimensions, which the whole region aims to address.

6. Main Expected Results
Total no. of students (national and regional) completed from ACEITLMS in 5 Yrs:
(i) Masters : 60 completed + 40 doing Masters
(ii) PhD programs: 16 completed + 24 doing PhD
Internationally recognized research publications in 5 Yrs
(i) in total: 35 and (ii) with regional coauthors : 10
Total No. of accredited education programs: 4
120 university and school teachers trained as ToTs.
No. of MOUs on collaboration and partnerships for applied research and training: 5

7. Estimated Cost
Teaching/learning excellence: 1,456,884 $
Research excellence: 596,600 $
National and Regional academic partnership: 846,560 $
Collaboration with Regional Sector Partners: 85,400 $
Sustainable Financing: 879,956 $
Total value of Proposal budget: 4,500,000 $

8. Progress Done So Far
We met Conditions for Effectiveness
MEd in mathematics education and science education (under validation process)
First year detailed planning done
Some research work under process
The ACEITLMS with REB, AIMS and MINEDUC worked on a multi- organizational Pilot Project on “Innovations to Strengthening the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics and Sciences in Secondary Schools in Rwanda”, which is a part of a big project to ‘Develop Priority Skills for Growth’, submitted to the World Bank for funding.

9. Implementation Risks and Issues
Delay in procurement may delay the implementation of the project.
The delay in disbursement of money from World Bank may also delay in implementation of project.
THANKS