Empowering Educators: The Second Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Training Program in Lagos State

Following the success of the inaugural Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Training Program in 2022-2023, Lagos State proudly launched its second edition. Building on the momentum, this program expanded its reach by inviting educators from private schools. Through targeted outreach and needs assessments, we received overwhelming interest, with over 161 teachers expressing their desire to participate. Ultimately, 40 teachers were selected due to program capacity.

In our digital world, access to reliable information is crucial for education. However, many educators and students still face challenges in finding high-quality digital resources. The Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Training Program bridges this gap by empowering educators to leverage Wikipedia as a valuable educational tool.

The program equips educators with the skills to:

• Navigate Wikipedia’s vast knowledge base.
• Enhance research, critical thinking, and writing skills.
• Integrate Wikipedia effectively into their lesson plans.
• Foster media and information literacy among students, aligned with the UNESCO MIL Framework.

Training Approach

The six-week program (December-January) adopted a refined blended learning approach. Recognizing the limitations of the previous single-day physical training, the program began with an online introductory session, followed by two intensive days of in-person training covering core modules. This format fostered collaboration and deeper engagement with the material. Additionally, we introduced one-on-one mentoring sessions to provide personalized support and assistance to participants, ensuring that each teacher had the opportunity to address their specific needs and challenges.

Encouraging Outcomes

Out of the 40 participating teachers, 24 successfully completed the program and submitted lesson plans, demonstrating remarkable commitment. Post-training surveys revealed a significant improvement in teachers’ understanding of Wikipedia’s value as an educational resource. This positive outcome underscores the program’s impact and reinforces the importance of integrating Wikipedia into teaching practices.

In order to better understand the learning outcomes, We collected the learning experience of teachers, to understand what they think about the training and to know how important Wikipedia is to the learning environment. 

Read the teachers Wikipedia story and learning experience here (Google Doc)

Virtual Graduation

On January 27th, a virtual graduation ceremony celebrated the program’s culmination. Esteemed guests from the Wikimedia community, UNESCO, and other international institutions emphasized the importance of Wikipedia in education. This momentous occasion acknowledged the program’s impact and the dedication of all involved. After the graduation, teachers were invited to join the EduWiki Nigeria under the supervision of Bukola James and Oby Ezeilo who are Certified Trainers of The Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom.

Conclusion

The second edition of the Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom Training Program exemplifies our ongoing commitment to transforming education in Lagos State. By empowering educators with the skills and resources to integrate Wikipedia into classroom teachings, we are enriching students’ learning experiences and fostering a culture of digital literacy, media and information literacy, and inquiry-based learning. 

As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing this important work and engaging more educators in Lagos State, Nigeria. Together, we can continue to harness the power of Wikipedia to promote open knowledge and empower the next generation of learners.

We appreciate the Wikimedia Foundation for their support, and the collaboration of UNESCO.