In Nigeria’s Federal College of Education Special, Oyo, the Pre-Service Teachers’ Education Project was implemented. Although Pre-STEP is being implemented across six Colleges of Education (CoE) in Nigeria, in Oyo inclusion was the primary focus.
Over 13 weeks, pre-service teachers at FCE-Special, Oyo, including those with special needs, those training to teach special needs students, and those on the conventional track, participated in hands-on learning experiences with two goals: to significantly improve classroom delivery and to build the confidence and adaptability of pre-service teachers using a teaching model, called “4 in 1”.
Delivery of the 4-in-1 model was a profound departure from conventional, teacher-centered pedagogy. Curiosity quickly shifted to active engagement as the facilitator introduced collaborative learning methods. Student reflections revealed the transformative impact of active learning.