Teaching in Africa is wonderful, but it has many challenges such as Overpopulated classrooms, lack of resources, and so on,… does this sound familiar? The great news is that we don’t need to elaborate tools to create a significant difference. What we have to do is to use effective strategies for our classrooms.
In this post, I present for you 10 powerful teaching strategies you can start using right now, whether you teach in Kigali, Nyagatare, or a small village school. These ideas are practical, adaptable, and proven to work in African classrooms.
1.Use Group Work to Encourage Peer Learning
Why it works? It works because,
- More proficient learners assist less skilled ones.
- It fosters
collaboration and self-assurance.
- It maintains the
interest of large groups
For example,
in
S1 class of 60 students, divide them into groups of 5 students to discuss
a comprehension passage and after you
let them share answers as a team.
2. Apply Storytelling to Teach Complex Concepts
What makes it effective? It is
effective due to the fact that it:
- Draws from
Africa’s deep oral heritage.
- Assists students in recalling challenging concepts.
For example, when teaching government types, tell a story about a local council deciding where to build a water tap, then connect it to “democracy.”
3.Leverage Visual Aids and Charts (Even Handmade)
Why it functions: it functions as a
result of
·
Aids those who learn visually.
·
Simple to create using readily
available materials.
For instance, create a diagram of the water cycle on a bag or used manila paper. Display it on your classroom wall for continuous reference.
4.Use WhatsApp or SMS for Homework Help
Why it works:Why it works: it
works because
- Keeps students (and parents) in the learning loop.
- Works even with basic phones.
Example: Send a voice note explaining how to answer a tricky science question. Parents can also listen and support their children.
5. Rotate Learning Centers in Overcrowded Classes
The reason for its effectiveness:
• it simplifies the management of
large classes.
• it
encourages participatory learning.
For example, create a reading area, a math puzzle
zone, and a writing space. Teams shift every 10 minutes. Nobody feels bored!
6.Combine English with Local Languages for Clarity
Why it works:
- Ensures deep understanding.
- Reduces frustration with tricky topics.
For example, explain
difficult terms in your mother tongue first, then switch to English. It’s
okay, clarity beats confusion!
7. Reward-Based Behavior Management
Why it works:
- Encourages positive behavior.
- Keeps class energy positive.
For example, give stars, claps, or “class helper of the day” titles. Small rewards motivate big!
8. Invite Community Members as Guest Speakers
Why it works:
- Makes learning real.
- Builds community-school ties.
Example:
Ask a nurse to talk about hygiene or a farmer about soil. Students love hearing
from real people.
9. Integrate Songs and Movement
Why it works:
- Boosts memory through fun.
- Great for lower primary, but older kids enjoy it too!
For example,
teach English tenses with a chant, or clapping patterns for
multiplication.
10. Create a Daily Question Board
Why it works:
- Encourages reflection.
- Builds critical thinking.
For example, end the lesson with a question: What did I learn? What confused me? Let students write or share answers.
Bonus Tip: Adapt to Your Community
You understand your students better than anyone else. Observe, hear, modify. What is effective in one school might require adjustments in another. That is the essence of exceptional teaching!
Final Thoughts
If you’re educating in Africa, keep in mind, you don’t require expensive gadgets or large financial resources. What you require is imagination, collaboration, and a touch of bravery to explore new concepts. Begin with manageable goals; choose one or two approaches for this week. Observe what is effective, then expand upon it. Your classroom can serve as an environment where education genuinely thrives.
for more detail please visit https://onlinebusinesswithprudence.blogspot.com/2025/06/top-10-creative-ways-to-teach-english.html
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