March 28, 2005
Expanding Microfilm Content
In observing the classes in session, we realized that the microfilm represents an opportunity to present all kinds of information to the class and teachers, beyond the classroom presentation material.
The samagoya method used in the literacy courses is new. In addition to the workbook that every student reads, the literacy teacher (or karamogo, in Bambara) receives a teachers manual that gives tips for each session. Despite the guide, we observed several instructions skipping or otherwise mangling steps.
Also, only one of the two karamogos in each class received training on the Kinkajou, and that was only a one-day session. At least one teacher was clearly uncomfortable using the projector. In Digani, the karamogo only used the Kinkajou for 15 minutes in the 2.5-hour class. The projected image was quite small. It isn't clear whether this karamogo received Kinkajou training.
Karamogos Moulaye Yatara and Martine Sogoba with Kinkajou #135 in Digani, near Segou
In the future, we like the idea of creating groupings of slides for each class, separated by blank slides to enable use of the projector as a light source:
- refresher slides on Kinkajou use (maybe a series of randomly repeating tips, for example how to arrange the classroom to get the best effects, how to get a brighter image)
- karamogo instructions for the lesson, and a general refresher on the samagoya literacy method
- the four instruction slides
