INNOVATIVE LEARNING
A young and passionate Motswana, Mphoentle Keitseng from Kanye village, has introduced a ground-breaking initiative aimed at improving students' academic performance.
Her love for education and personal academic struggles inspired her to develop and produce ‘The Effective Learning Program’, a tool designed to equip students, parents, and teachers with essential skills for better academic outcomes.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Keitseng said, “I made reflections on my life as a learner and how I navigated adolescence.
“I was a socially regulated learner, but I had lapses. Although I did well in school, I was not as serious as I could have been. Had I had a proper structure and skillset, I believe I would have performed much better.”
This realisation became the foundation for her work.
"I anchored my program on the errors I committed as a student. It is a way to highlight pitfalls to avoid. We cannot afford to let a new generation repeat the same cycles. We need to rescue young learners from the struggles we endured.”
The Effective Learning Program is anchored on 10 core principles that aim to transform how students approach their studies. It empowers learners through self-awareness, helping them identify their academic gaps, strengths, and weaknesses. The program then guides them in strategising to address these gaps, set goals, and find motivation to learn effectively.
Students are introduced to practical tools for time management, body regulation, and study skills, ensuring they can navigate the academic landscape with discipline and efficiency.
Learners who have benefited from the program include Wendy Seoketse, Kagontle Keitseng, Julia Ramogojwana and Michelle Esterhuizen.
They all applauded the initiative, noting that it has had a profound impact on their academic performance and personal growth.
They said the program has helped them excel academically, manage their time better, and develop into curious, open-minded and resilient learners.
“I first heard of it in school. I used it to improve my marks for Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). I got motivated and studied hard. Now, I am a university student and doing well,” Seoketse said.
Esterhuizen shared her experience, explaining how the program helped her overcome exam anxiety and ineffective study habits.
“I had problems with anxiety during exam time and often relied on last minute study, which did not help. After being introduced to the program, I had structure and was able to set clear goals that
made focusing easy.”
According to Keitseng, the program is designed for upper primary and secondary school learners, serving as both a self-guide and a resource for teachers and parents.
“This tool helps parents and teachers interact with the learner more effectively. It creates a structured approach to academics, enabling learners to manage their time, focus, and study habits better,” she explained.
Her vision, however, has not been without challenges. Keitseng raised the idea with the Ministry of Education and at one point left them uncomfortable when she shared her findings and observations.
“Teachers are overwhelmed with the curriculum and other demands. There isn’t a dedicated structure to develop learners holistically to tackle the syllabus effectively.
“My program aims to fill that gap by fostering academic discipline, work ethic, and a sustainable learning culture among students.”
Despite these obstacles, Keitseng's journey has gained momentum. Over the past three years, she has worked closely with schools to pilot the program.
Learners granted access to the resource have shown notable improvements in their academic discipline.
“Our education system needs interventions like this. Results have been declining from Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to BGCSE.
“Many young people, aged 16-19, leave school without the skills to succeed academically or professionally, often ending up in low-paying jobs like car washes,” she observed.
Keitseng's program focuses on nurturing self-regulation, teaching students to dedicate at least 80 percent of their efforts to academics rather than social distractions.
She shared the success stories of students she met in 2022 through a corporate-sponsored initiative in three schools.
“I met a diverse group of students, including orphans, vulnerable children, special needs learners, and the privileged.
“The intention was to involve all, their parents were also involved, ensuring a holistic approach to their academic development.”
While her initiative has shown great promise, affordability remains a challenge.
“Currently, the resource costs P350 per copy, which puts it out of reach for some learners whose parents cannot afford it. This leaves out many who could benefit from the program.”
Nonetheless, the Effective Learning Program has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially a 25-page guide, it has grown into a comprehensive 90-page resource.
Keitseng, who started as an IT graduate and entrepreneur, transitioned into psychology to support her vision for academic excellence.
“The dream began in 2015. I knew I wanted to make a difference in education, and I pursued the professional development and training needed to bring this vision to life.”
Although still a work in progress, Keitseng remains optimistic about the program's future.
The Ministry of Education has granted her access to schools, and discussions are ongoing to integrate the resource into the national curriculum.
She envisions a time when all students, regardless of background, can benefit from her efforts to transform education in Botswana.
Her love for education and personal academic struggles inspired her to develop and produce ‘The Effective Learning Program’, a tool designed to equip students, parents, and teachers with essential skills for better academic outcomes.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Keitseng said, “I made reflections on my life as a learner and how I navigated adolescence.
“I was a socially regulated learner, but I had lapses. Although I did well in school, I was not as serious as I could have been. Had I had a proper structure and skillset, I believe I would have performed much better.”
This realisation became the foundation for her work.
"I anchored my program on the errors I committed as a student. It is a way to highlight pitfalls to avoid. We cannot afford to let a new generation repeat the same cycles. We need to rescue young learners from the struggles we endured.”
The Effective Learning Program is anchored on 10 core principles that aim to transform how students approach their studies. It empowers learners through self-awareness, helping them identify their academic gaps, strengths, and weaknesses. The program then guides them in strategising to address these gaps, set goals, and find motivation to learn effectively.
Students are introduced to practical tools for time management, body regulation, and study skills, ensuring they can navigate the academic landscape with discipline and efficiency.
Learners who have benefited from the program include Wendy Seoketse, Kagontle Keitseng, Julia Ramogojwana and Michelle Esterhuizen.
They all applauded the initiative, noting that it has had a profound impact on their academic performance and personal growth.
They said the program has helped them excel academically, manage their time better, and develop into curious, open-minded and resilient learners.
“I first heard of it in school. I used it to improve my marks for Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). I got motivated and studied hard. Now, I am a university student and doing well,” Seoketse said.
Esterhuizen shared her experience, explaining how the program helped her overcome exam anxiety and ineffective study habits.
“I had problems with anxiety during exam time and often relied on last minute study, which did not help. After being introduced to the program, I had structure and was able to set clear goals that
made focusing easy.”
According to Keitseng, the program is designed for upper primary and secondary school learners, serving as both a self-guide and a resource for teachers and parents.
“This tool helps parents and teachers interact with the learner more effectively. It creates a structured approach to academics, enabling learners to manage their time, focus, and study habits better,” she explained.
Her vision, however, has not been without challenges. Keitseng raised the idea with the Ministry of Education and at one point left them uncomfortable when she shared her findings and observations.
“Teachers are overwhelmed with the curriculum and other demands. There isn’t a dedicated structure to develop learners holistically to tackle the syllabus effectively.
“My program aims to fill that gap by fostering academic discipline, work ethic, and a sustainable learning culture among students.”
Despite these obstacles, Keitseng's journey has gained momentum. Over the past three years, she has worked closely with schools to pilot the program.
Learners granted access to the resource have shown notable improvements in their academic discipline.
“Our education system needs interventions like this. Results have been declining from Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to BGCSE.
“Many young people, aged 16-19, leave school without the skills to succeed academically or professionally, often ending up in low-paying jobs like car washes,” she observed.
Keitseng's program focuses on nurturing self-regulation, teaching students to dedicate at least 80 percent of their efforts to academics rather than social distractions.
She shared the success stories of students she met in 2022 through a corporate-sponsored initiative in three schools.
“I met a diverse group of students, including orphans, vulnerable children, special needs learners, and the privileged.
“The intention was to involve all, their parents were also involved, ensuring a holistic approach to their academic development.”
While her initiative has shown great promise, affordability remains a challenge.
“Currently, the resource costs P350 per copy, which puts it out of reach for some learners whose parents cannot afford it. This leaves out many who could benefit from the program.”
Nonetheless, the Effective Learning Program has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially a 25-page guide, it has grown into a comprehensive 90-page resource.
Keitseng, who started as an IT graduate and entrepreneur, transitioned into psychology to support her vision for academic excellence.
“The dream began in 2015. I knew I wanted to make a difference in education, and I pursued the professional development and training needed to bring this vision to life.”
Although still a work in progress, Keitseng remains optimistic about the program's future.
The Ministry of Education has granted her access to schools, and discussions are ongoing to integrate the resource into the national curriculum.
She envisions a time when all students, regardless of background, can benefit from her efforts to transform education in Botswana.
