The University of Nairobi successfully hosted the Learning Mindset Small Grants Workshop on Wednesday, 17th March 2026, at the 4th Floor Rattansi Lecture Theatre, University of Nairobi Towers. The workshop brought together scholars, educators, and researchers in a collaborative forum aimed at strengthening innovative teaching and learning practices in higher education.

The event was organized by Prof. Dorothy Kyalo and Prof. Angeline Mulwa and was officially presided over by Prof. Susan Chepkonga, Chair of the Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies. The workshop was held in collaboration with the Learning Mindset team led by Professor Caro Archambault from Leiden University, alongside Prof. Maria Dorothea Ditmans-Van Niekerk, Coordinator for Education and Student Affairs at Leiden, among other distinguished facilitators.

The workshop attracted participants from diverse faculties within the University, including Business and Management Sciences, Built Environment and Design, Education, Law, and Science and Technology. This multidisciplinary participation enriched discussions and fostered cross-faculty collaboration in advancing learner-centered education.

Key focus areas included the promotion of autonomous learning, the application of game-based learning strategies, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in education. Participants explored practical approaches and innovative tools designed to enhance student engagement, motivation, and independent learning.

A major highlight of the workshop was the introduction of small research grant opportunities aimed at supporting projects that strengthen student engagement and promote self-directed learning. These grants are expected to stimulate evidence-based innovations in pedagogy across the University.

The workshop also emphasized a capacity-building programme designed to equip participants with practical competencies in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational interventions. Additionally, the programme aims to strengthen participants’ research capabilities, particularly in conducting studies and publishing impactful scholarly work.

Overall, the workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, and the advancement of learner-centered practices at the University of Nairobi, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation in higher education.