Definition: A Record of Work is a document that tracks the teaching and learning activities that have taken place in a particular subject or course over a period of time. It provides a way for teachers to document their teaching and learning activities, assess student progress, and identify areas where additional support is needed. Records of Work (RoWs) can also be used to track the progress of the curriculum and ensure that all topics are covered.It typically includes the following information:

• The topics covered
• The teaching methods used
• The learning activities completed
• The assessment methods used
• The student outcomes achieved

Benefits of using Records of Work

There are many benefits to using RoWs, including:

• Improved teaching and learning: RoWs can help teachers to plan their lessons more effectively and to ensure that all topics are covered. They can also help teachers to identify areas where additional support is needed and to make adjustments to their teaching accordingly.
• Enhanced student assessment: RoWs can help teachers to assess student progress more accurately and to identify students who need additional support. They can also be used to track the progress of the curriculum and to ensure that all students are meeting the required standards.
• Increased accountability: RoWs can help teachers to be more accountable for their teaching. They can also be used to demonstrate to school administrators and parents that the teacher is planning and delivering effective lessons.
• Improved communication: RoWs can help teachers to communicate more effectively with parents and other stakeholders. They can also be used to provide parents with information about their child's progress and to share ideas for how to support their child's learning at home.

How to write a Record of Work

There is no one-size-fits-all format for a Record of Work, but most RoWs will include the following information:

• Subject or course: The RoW should identify the subject or course for which it is being written.
• Date range: The RoW should specify the date range for which it covers.
• Topics covered: The RoW should list the topics that were covered during the specified date range.
• Teaching methods used: The RoW should describe the teaching methods that were used.
• Learning activities completed: The RoW should list the learning activities that were completed.
• Assessment methods used: The RoW should describe the assessment methods that were used.
• Student outcomes achieved: The RoW should identify the student outcomes that were achieved.

In addition to this information, the RoW may also include the following:

• Reflection: The teacher may reflect on the teaching and learning activities that took place and identify any areas where improvement is needed.
• Recommendations: The teacher may make recommendations for future teaching and learning activities.

Examples of Records of Work

The following are some examples of Records of Work:

• Primary school: A primary school teacher may keep a RoW for each subject or grade level. The RoW would list the topics covered, the teaching methods used, the learning activities completed, the assessment methods used, and the student outcomes achieved.
• Secondary school: A secondary school teacher may keep a RoW for each course that they teach. The RoW would list the topics covered, the teaching methods used, the learning activities completed, the assessment methods used, and the student outcomes achieved.
• Special education: A special education teacher may keep a RoW for each student that they teach. The RoW would list the student's goals and objectives, the teaching methods used, the learning activities completed, the assessment methods used, and the student's progress towards their goals and objectives.

Resources for finding Records of Work

There are a number of resources available to help teachers to write Records of Work. These resources include:

• Online resources: There are a number of online resources that provide templates and other resources for teachers who are writing Records of Work.
• The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Develoment: KICD provides a Curriculum Designs which are used by teachers to develop teaching materials including Records of Work.
• Teacher associations: Teacher associations often provide their members with access to resources such as templates for Records of Work.

Best practices for using Records of Work

Here are some best practices for using Records of Work:

• Be consistent: Teachers should write RoWs on a regular basis. This will help them to track their progress and to identify any areas where improvement is needed.
• Be specific: When writing RoWs, teachers should be as specific as possible. This will help them to accurately assess student progress and to identify areas where additional support is needed.
• Be reflective: Teachers should use RoWs to reflect on their teaching and learning practices and to identify areas where improvement is needed.
• Be collaborative: Teachers can collaborate with each other to share ideas on how to write effective RoWs.
• Use technology: Teachers can use technology to help them to write and manage RoWs. For example, they can use spreadsheets or online tools to track student progress and to generate reports.

Records of Work are essential tools for teachers in Kenya. They can help teachers to improve their teaching and learning practices, assess student progress, and track the progress of the curriculum. By following the best practices outlined above, teachers can use RoWs to their full potential.

How to use Records of Work to support students with special needs

Records of Work can be used to support students with special needs in a number of ways. For example, teachers can use RoWs to:

• Track the student's progress towards their goals and objectives.
• Identify areas where the student needs additional support.
• Communicate with parents and other stakeholders about the student's progress.
• Develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.

By using RoWs to support students with special needs, teachers can help these students to achieve their full potential.

How to use Records of Work to support teachers' professional development

Records of Work can be used to support teachers' professional development in a number of ways. For example, teachers can use RoWs to:

• Reflect on their teaching and learning practices and to identify areas where they can improve.
• Identify their strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
• Set goals for their professional development.
• Develop professional development plans.

By using RoWs to support their professional development, teachers can become more effective educators.

To wrap it up, Records of Work are a valuable tool for teachers in Kenya. They can be used to improve teaching and learning, assess student progress, track the progress of the curriculum, support students with special needs, and support teachers' professional development.