Dr Abigail Mukuwa-Tuchili
Dr Abigail Mukuwa-Tuchili is a seasoned educationist, curriculum expert, author and psychologist. She served as a teacher and curriculum expert in Ministry of Education and has authored many books for learners at primary school with Oxford University Press.
Questions and comments
What is the biggest change CBC expects from teachers in the classroom, and how does Oxford’s Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides support that change?
The biggest change that the CBC expects from teachers is to make the shift from knowledge transmission towards the development of specific competences as specified in the CBC, as well as key competences such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.
Oxford’s Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides provide a simplified pedagogy in the form of the GRR model. This allows teachers to shift from theory to practice, and from transmitters of knowledge to developing competences. Oxford’s Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides therefore build teachers’ confidence to implement the CBC, making it easier for them to make the shift from knowledge transmission to crafting classroom activities that are more practical in nature.
Which feature of the textbook supports teachers in guiding learners from understanding new concepts to applying them independently, and how can it be used in the classroom?
The structure and pedagogy of the Oxford’s Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides. The GRR model is a framework for teaching that builds a bridge between what the teacher is expected to teach, and what is expected of the learners to demonstrate at the end (expected standards), while developing greater independence on their learning journeys. Learners work collaboratively in groups, pairs or as a whole class, practising the required skills as a team. They then work on their own to demonstrate mastery while taking ownership of their own work.
What are some simple ways teachers can use Oxford’s Learner’s Books to support competence-based learning, not just content coverage?
Oxford’s Learner’s Books have simple, learner-friendly pictures, diagrams, explanations, activities and exercises. Learners build confidence through active participation, collaboration, teamwork and discussions with their peers, while learning to think creatively, solve problems, innovate and be creative, collaborate and apply critical thinking.
Oxford’s Teacher’s Guides provide simplified, relevant guidance for teachers to bridge gaps between what they have to teach, and what learners are expected to learn.