Kenya Simbas, Chipu Head Coach Paul Odera Attains Masters Degree
29th June 2019
The main focus of his study at Nairobi's Strathmore University was to investigate the impact of scaffolding on rugby skills based on Lev Vygotsky’s theory
- Odera’s target population was 26 male rugby players in a rugby institution within Nairobi County
- His key recommendations were; the training of rugby coaches in Kenya on scaffold-ed coaching methodology, the development of a training manual unique to Kenya Rugby Coaches, the training of rugby coaches in teaching pedagogy and the development of World Rugby coaching manuals in Kiswahili to make it easier for coaches to scaffold
NAIROBI, Kenya- Former international and current Kenya Simbas senior and under 20 rugby 15s sides Chipu head coach Paul Odera attained his Masters degree from Nairobi's Strathmore University on Saturday to add another feather to his expanding cap.
The main focus of his study was to investigate the impact of scaffolding on rugby skills based on Lev Vygotsky’s theory that; learning takes place in the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) with the support of an expert and the learner undergoes a transformation where the responsibility, skills, and expertise gradually shift from the coach to the learner.
Odera’s target population was 26 male rugby players in a rugby institution within Nairobi County.
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The players aged 11-15 took part in a three-session learning sequence of rugby where their evasion, passing and tackling skills were assessed using Key Factors Analysis (KFA) and Criteria Based Assessment (CBA).
The results showed that an increase in the level of micro scaffolding had a positive impact on passing skills and there is a significant association between micro scaffolding and passing skills improvement.
Further to this, evasion skills were affected positively by an increase in the levels of micro scaffolding. Tackling skills improved when micro scaffolding was introduced, however, the relationship between micro scaffolding and tackling skills is not significant.
His key recommendations were; the training of rugby coaches in Kenya on scaffold-ed coaching methodology, the development of a training manual unique to Kenya Rugby Coaches, the training of rugby coaches in teaching pedagogy and the development of World Rugby coaching manuals in Kiswahili to make it easier for coaches to scaffold.
Odera also suggested the inclusion of scaffolding by the Ministry of Education in the training of sports coaches and teachers in the implementation of the new curriculum.
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His first game in charge of Simbas saw Uganda Cranes clinch the first win of the 2019 Elgon Cup tournament at the Mamboleo Showgrounds in Kisumu beating the Kenya Simbas 16-13 on June 22 and the head coach is hoping to turn around their regional rivals in the second leg in Kampala on July 13 at the Kyangongo Grounds.