TALULAR ideas... teachers all round the world can use them!

''... They use everything from old light bulbs, matchboxes and cans to plastic bags and toilet paper rolls. One of the best examples he gave us was a "television" made from a box with a roll of paper inside and two sticks... He (Gibson Zembeni) told us a great story with it... We got some really great ideas to use in the classroom. The concepts are not only resourceful for teachers in Africa, but teachers all around the world can also use them!''
Krista Patrick, Virgina Tech., USA. Student teacher visiting Malawi

Use TALULAR rather than bemoan the lack of resources

''Teaching with no resources (no desks, chairs, few books and over 100 children to each class) is challenging, and the advice is to use TALULAR - (Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources). As the syllabus included introducing the game of netball, Kay fronted up to the task, by asking the girls to bring home made balls (plastic and string) and plastic bags with handles, which, when held aloft by one girl at each end of dusty space, made the goals. 140 very excited and enthusiastic girls... may go some way in encouraging other teachers to use TALULAR rather than bemoan the lack of equipment.'' Richard and Kay Harvey (2008) Concern-Universal

Kay is a teacher of PE and English as a foreign language and Richard is the former CEO of AVIVA, the world's fifth largest insurer.

Indigenous technology in science education (Doctoral dissertation)

'The rate of adoption of the TALULAR ideology, which is actively promoted in Malawi... If we were to apply crude statistics, the ratio of those who feel comfortable in using TALULAR and those who do not is already 2:1. ...For a poor country like Malawi the choice to use TALULAR as a means of provision of resources, is an answer to low financial support of educational activities. Anything that could work against a solution to financial shortcomings is worth thinking about and monitoring what goes on in relation to it. ...I started thinking that TALULAR needs a better strategy for its dissemination... Otherwise, teachers will end up using lecture methodologies all the time, because practical work would not work without resources. This will be even more necessary as teachers engage in teaching indigenous technologies in science and technology curriculum.'' ADK Phiri. (2008) Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy
Link:
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-04112008-115442/unrestricted/PhiriDissertationResubmited2May08.pdf

TALULAR footballs in Malawi

''So back during our site visit Kristy convinced the children in the village, who like to stop by, to gather random pieces of plastic from the bush (there's a lot of trash laying around). They made their homemade footballs (soccer balls) out of the plastic bags. It's the number one brand of football here in Malawi. In the education field we have an acronym for that: TALULAR (teaching and learning using locally available resources).''

Text and picture source: Journal of Brian and Kristy's experiences as Peace Corps volunteers in Malawi.

Scottish global teacher in Malawi

''I encouraged them to employ the TALULAR system (Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources) and engage in Active Learning Methodologies ... singing and dancing to aid learning, all of which come naturally.'' Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Scotland, Nov. 2007. http://icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk/dumfriesgalloway/news/2007/11/23/the-joy-of-learning-77296-20151621/

TALULAR was to be the order of the day

''We were told that it was no use waiting for resources as they might never arrive. In schools TALULAR was to be the order of the day- Teaching and Learning Using Locally Available Resources.''
Global teacher (2007) Diary of a Global Teacher. Malawi. http://malawi.wikispaces.com/Adjustment?f=print

Talular... use of such materials was not often realized.

''Frequently, a chalkboard is the only teaching resource available. The Ministry of Education encourages teachers to use locally available materials (Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources—TALULAR) such as collectable objects found in the villages that are part of everyday life (e.g., buttons, yarn, sticks, etc.), yet our experiences suggested that the use of such materials was not often realized.''
George Glasson et al (2007) Understanding the Earth Systems of Malawi: Ecological Sustainability, Culture, and Place-Based Education. Virginia Polytechnic and State University. http://www.mmp.soe.vt.edu/Download/glasson_malawi.pdf

Talular part of Mzuzu University Education and Teaching Studies degree

ETS 1201: Instructional Media and Technology. This course aims at equipping students with skills for designing, selecting, modifying, and proper use of media and instructional technologies... ''...students are exposed to the concept of Teaching and Learning Using Locally Available Resources (TALULAR) approach to teaching and learning.''
Peter B Kayira, 2007, Department of Education and Teaching Studies Syllabus, Mzuzu University, Malawi.
http://www.mzuni.ac.mw/Edu%20&%20TeachStds.htm

TALULAR idea mentioned in Zimbabwe (FAO)

''TALULAR: Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources.'' (page 20)
UN Food And Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Garden-Based Learning for Improved Livelihoods and Nutrition Security of School Children in High HIV-Prevalence Areas in Southern Africa. 2007. Workshop, Harare, Zimbabwe ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1432e/a1432e00.pdf

Talular in Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Scotland

''The teaching system used is TALULAR — teaching and learning using locally available resources. In other words, using sticks and bottle tops instead of the bright colourful blocks. It’s using whatever you can find as a teaching tool.''
Dumfries and Galloway Standard May 24, 2007
http://icdumfries.icnetwork.co.uk/dumfriesgalloway/news/tm_headline=teacher-takes-lessons-to-malawi&method=full&objectid=19193010&siteid=77296-name_page.html

Intervention process... TALULAR (UNESCO Forum, Accra)

''Intervention process... To teach methodology courses whose emphasis is on student-centred approaches without confining the teaching to the laboratory. This means emphasizing activities like Directed Activities Related to Text (DARTS), using the environment and using the concept of TALULAR (teaching and learning using locally available resources).''
A Saiti, UNESCO Forum, Accra, Ghana. May 2007 http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0015/001541/154191e.pdf

Malawi currently emphasing TALULAR (Doctoral dissertation)

''Malawi is currently emphasizing teaching and learning using locally available resources (TALULAR), which sometimes may not cost any money or very little money. The use of local resources is usually associated with improvisation where, when the original material is not available, a teacher devises a substitute... comments from teachers about using improvisation through TALULAR: “… by making the aid myself I actually understand the topic better!” “I made aids with the help of my pupils, they learnt so did I …we learnt how they work by making them.” “It promotes creativity and encourages other more practical skills.” “More relevant to learners when you use local materials.” “Improvisation sets a good example to pupils and inexperienced teachers. If we do it they may see the benefit.” It is this creativity and practical skills that tutors need so that they can be able to pick any piece of junk and produce a teaching material.''(page 30)

Clemence Michael Kadzera(2006) Use of Instuctional Technologies in Teacher Training Colleges in Malawi. Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy submitted to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-05152006-174707/unrestricted/Dissertation-Kadzera.pdf

Widespread enthusiasm for the TALULAR (Mzuzu Uni. Stirling Uni.)

''The lack of teaching aids and apparatus for use in schools was identified by all of the science staff, in the university and schools, as a key issue to be addressed... Amongst the lecturers and school staff there was widespread enthusiasm for the TALULAR (Teaching And Learning Using Locally Accessed Resources) approach to science teaching as this was seen as being more sustainable when compared to using specialised science materials.''
Dr Mike Carroll (Bsc Curriculum Mzuzu Uni. 2006. Page 2 http://www.aqua.stir.ac.uk/development/projects/documents/outcar.pdf report pdf)

''Recommendations... supporting the TALULAR approach in order to blend curricular and local knowledge will have a positive impact upon practical work in science and introducing sustainable methodologies.''
Dr Mike Carroll (BSc Curriculum Mzuzu Uni. 2006.Page 5 http://www.aqua.stir.ac.uk/development/projects/documents/outcar.pdf report pdf

Talular can only be stretched so far!

''...Makes both you and them frustrated let alone simply the problems of the lack of resources. Of course for us education volunteers they have a nice little acronym they used called TALULAR (teaching and learning using locally available resources). But even that can only be stretched so far.''
Malawicious: The ranting and ravings of life in the Peace Corp June 2006 http://malawicious.blogspot.com/2006/06/9-months-down-18-to-go.html

Science teacher preparation in Malawi (Doctorate dissertation)

''In Malawi, one of the education policies as stipulated in the Policy and Investment Framework (PIF, 2001)recommends teaching and learning using locally available resources (TALULAR). It was noted by Chakwera, Thawe, Banda, Matemba, January, Saiti, et al. (2001) that “TALULAR ideas can assist in making teaching and learning effective and making the education system more sustainable by introducing important cost-effective classroom technologies” (p. 103). These locally available resources may include: (a) human resources such as guest speakers; ( b) material resources such as charts, diagrams, artifacts and models; and (c) non-material resources such as individual talents (Chakwera, et al., 2001). It should be noted that knowing how to make and use locally available resources requires teacher creativity and innovative skills. The teachers are required to know: (a) types of locally available resources that can be used for teaching and learning; (b) how to use the locally available resources effectively; and (c) understand how these resources can be used in a variety of subject areas.'' (page 20)
Wotchiwe Mtonga Kalande. 2006. The Influence of Science Teacher Preparation Programs on Instructional Practices of Beginning Primary School Teachers in Malawi. Dissertation... Doctor of Philosophy... Virginia Tech.
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12182006-134936/unrestricted/Wotchiwe-DissFinal.pdf

Science in primary schools in Malawi (Doctorate dissertation)

''Some participants indicated the need to improvise by using TALULAR (Teaching Using Locally Available Materials), which has been widely recommended and promoted by the Malawi Institute of Education and the Malawi Ministry of Education. Although these participants considered TALULAR an important strategy, they indicated that there were problems with TALULAR. Chidecha, a Standard 6 science teacher explained, “At college, at least they could have added more time teaching students how to improvise.” He went on to say that there should be a much greater emphasis in Teacher Training Colleges on assuring that teachers are well prepared in making and utilizing improvised materials...They felt that better training in the use of TALULAR was needed as a part of teacher educationat the TTC’s,''(page 76 and 78)
Wotchiwe Mtonga Kalande. 2006. The Influence of Science Teacher Preparation Programs on Instructional Practices of Beginning Primary School Teachers in Malawi. Dissertation... Doctor of Philosophy... Virginia Tech. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12182006-134936/unrestricted/Wotchiwe-DissFinal.pdf

VSO Malawi promotes Talular in professional development

''Malawi: In 8 districts, there has been a big improvement in the identification, organizing, implementation and supporting of professional development of teachers in the district... Increased use of teaching and learning using locally available resources (Talular) in schools...''
Voluntary Service Overseas, VSO Narrative Summary and Learning Report for PPA 2005-2006. London http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/vso-narrative-summary-0506.pdf

Pedagogical Resource Centres promote Talular in Ethiopia

The Pedagogical/Instructional Resource Centers promote Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources (TALULAR), which encourages active and child-centered learning. There has been a notable shift in primary schools towards using locally available resources for producing teaching and learning materials. The production of teaching and learning materials is especially noteworthy in Ethiopia where textbooks and other learning materials are scarce to non-existent in most schools. Transformation has occurred in classrooms where the teachers have participated in the materials production courses. Blank walls and other areas in participating classrooms now display colorful learning materials developed using locally available materials.
USAID (2005) Changing Lives: Success Stories from the African Education Initiative http://literacyhub.org/documents/PNADG236.pdf

Talular in Zambia (FEMSA-FAWE)

In Zambia...''in order to support the SMT (science, mathematics and technology) programme and activities, the chapter supported school-based SMT activities through the promotion of TALULAR (teaching and learning using locally available resources) methodologies for 300 pupils. This exercise exposed 300 girls and boys to gender sensitive pedagogical approaches and TALULAR in teaching and learning SMT subjects.''Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Annual Report 2005. Nairobi, Kenya. http://www.fawe.org/publications/publicationdownloads/Annual%20Report%202005.pdf

Best practices in primary education (MESA-USAID)

''MESA is a blend of best practices and lessons learned from three successful USAID-funded projects... These best practices include: A Social Mobilization Campaign Conceptual Methodology; a Cluster Mentorship System and school based teacher training in-service training; continuous assessment, TALULAR; and a concerted approach in tackling issues such as HIV/AIDS.
Zikani Kaunda, 2005 Influencing national policy making in education through best practices: civic involvement in primary education (CIPE), Open Society Institute. http://www.soros.org/initiatives/esp/articles_publications/articles/kaunda_20060217/zikani.pdf

Talular: A Users Guide

Many teachers think of teaching and learning resources as the commercially produced instructional materials alone, such as printed charts, pupils’ books, teachers’ guides, globes, markers and radios. The government is normally seen as the source of these materials. If these are not provided, teachers believe that they have a ready excuse for why their teaching does not include the use of teaching and learning resources. Teaching and Learning Using Locally Available Resources (TALULAR) provides methods for teachers to develop their own learning aides from materials readily available in the local environment. This guide provides numerous examples and ideas for developing TALULAR.
Andy V Byers and Gibson Zembeni. 2005. Talular: A Users Guide. http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNADF043.pdf pdf download.

Malawi Teacher Training Activity

The planning meeting proposed a six-part guiding framework for the current and future core trainer workshop planning. The framework includes the following elements... 6. Practical (i.e., using Talular).'' Malawi Teacher Training Activity (MTTA) Annual Report, 2004
http://pdf.dec.org/pdf_docs/Pdacf851.pdf

The TALULAR approach incorporated into joyful learning (UNICEF)

'Widespread shortage of teaching and learning materials/ essential supplies... The TALULAR approach, incorporated into Joyful Learning and other teacher training programmes funded by UNICEF, is seen as way to combat this chronic problem.'' Government of Malawi/UNICEF, Country programme 2002-2006, Girl Child Education Interventions http://www.unicef.org/evaldatabase/files/Malawi_2004_001_MTE_Girls_Educ.pdf

Little evidence of TALULAR

''...students (teachers) were constantly reminded to be creative and resourceful. There was little evidence that the MIITEP ‘Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources’(TALULAR) philosophy was being put into practice... Old student-made models and dusty nature corners attested to the lack of involvement by the current cohort in creativity or preparing their own teaching and learning aids as MIITEP professed.''Demis Kunje, Keith Lewin, Janet Stuart(2003)Primary Teacher Education in Malawi: Insights into practice and Policy. http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/primteachmalawiedpaper49d.pdf

Nothing is wasted

''Being out of touch with primary education developments, especially in ICT, was a challenge when I returned home. However I have learned to be much more resourceful - there was a strong emphasis on TALULAR (Teaching and Learning Using Locally Available Resources) in my placement and nothing was wasted.'' Patrick Murphy, Irish primary school head teacher VSO volunteer in Montfort Teacher Training College, Malawi, 1999-2001 http://www.vso.org.uk/ireland/volunteering_skills_education_tcbguide_success-stories.htm

Talular is complementary not supplementary to commercially produced media

''Talular activities are not suggested as a replacement for printed books and posters or educational kits, but as a major source of valuable ideas, which could enrich the learning experiences of millions of African children... Talular is not supplementary, but complementary to commercially produced instructional media, because 'complementary' means 'together completing or making whole'. We can never implement a holistic approach to education without talular.'' John J Bisika, Senior Curriculum Specialist, Malawi Institute of Education 2001.

Richard and Kay Harvey (Concern Universal)

''Teaching with no resources (no desks, chairs, few books and over 100 children to each class) is challenging, and the advice is to use TALULAR - (Teaching And Learning Using Locally Available Resources). As the syllabus included introducing the game of netball, Kay fronted up to the task, by asking the girls to bring home made balls (plastic and string) and plastic bags with handles, which, when held aloft by one girl at each end of dusty space, made the goals. 140 very excited and enthusiastic girls... may go some way in encouraging other teachers to use TALULAR rather than bemoan the lack of equipment.'' Richard and Kay Harvey (2008) Concern-Universal (http://www.concern-universal.org/index.php?/working_in_partnership/richard_and_kay_harvey/latest_blogs)

Krista Patrick. Student teacher, Virginia Tech. USA

''... They use everything from old light bulbs, matchboxes and cans to plastic bags and toilet paper rolls. One of the best examples he gave us was a "television" made from a box with a roll of paper inside and two sticks... He (Gibson Zembeni) told us a great story with it... We got some really great ideas to use in the classroom. The concepts are not only resourceful for teachers in Africa, but teachers all around the world can also use them!'' Krista Patrick, Virgina Tech. USA student teacher visiting Malawi (http://krista-malawi.blogspot.com/2008/07/talular.html)