Have you ever seen a teacher who says, “We have always taught like this, why change?” Many teachers in Rwanda feel this way. The government made big reforms in education, like the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). This reform helps learners build skills, think critically, and prepare for the future. But not all teachers welcome it. Some still want to teach the old way, where the teacher talks and the learners just listen.
This blog post will show you why teachers must accept change, what happens if they resist, and how embracing reforms can improve teaching and learning in Rwanda.
The Problem: Teachers Who Refuse Change
Change is not easy. Some teachers fear new methods. Others think change means “extra work.” For example, in CBC, teachers must prepare active lessons with group work, projects, and discussions. This is different from the old way of just writing notes on the blackboard.
But when teachers refuse change, learners suffer. They do not get the skills they need for the future. Rwanda wants learners who can solve problems, create jobs, and compete with the world. Teachers who resist reforms stop learners from reaching this goal.
Why Accepting Change is Important
Change Helps Learners
When teachers accept reforms, learners benefit. In Rwanda, CBC encourages learners to talk, ask questions, and work together. For example, in a P6 English class, learners may act out a story instead of just reading it. This makes learning fun and builds confidence.
Change Builds Teachers’ Skills
Teachers also grow when they accept change. New methods bring new training, workshops, and resources. For example, teachers who joined Communities of Practice (CoP) in Rwanda learned to use games, role-play, and technology. This made them better teachers and improved their lessons.
Change Supports Rwanda’s Vision
Rwanda wants to become a knowledge-based economy by 2050. This means young people must have strong skills, not just memorized facts. Teachers who accept reforms help the country move forward. Those who resist hold Rwanda back.
Examples of Change in Rwandan Schools
The Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC)
In 2015, the government introduced CBC. Instead of focusing only on exams, CBC focuses on skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Some teachers accepted this change quickly. They now design fun activities and use local examples, like teaching fractions with beans or maize. But others still stick to rote learning.
Use of Technology in Classrooms
Many schools now use tablets, projectors, and online tools. In some urban schools, teachers use videos to explain science. Even in rural schools, teachers use WhatsApp groups to share homework with parents. But some teachers refuse to learn these tools, saying, “Technology is for young teachers.” By refusing, they miss chances to connect with learners.
Continuous Assessment Instead of One Big Exam
Another big reform is continuous assessment. Learners are not judged by one final exam only, but by activities, projects, and participation throughout the term. This helps weak learners too. But teachers who resist continue to depend only on tests, which does not reflect true learning.
How Teachers Can Embrace Change
Be Open-Minded
The first step is to have a positive mindset. Instead of saying “This is hard,” say “This is new, I can learn.”
Join Training and Workshops
The government, NGOs, and teacher associations like ATER Rwanda provide many trainings. Teachers who attend these learn new strategies. For example, a training in Gisagara showed teachers how to use role-play to teach English stories.
Support Each Other in Communities of Practice
Teachers should not walk alone. In Rwanda, Communities of Practice (CoP) help teachers share ideas. One teacher may share how they used a song to teach Kinyarwanda. Another may show how they used pictures to teach Science. Together, they grow.
Start Small
Change does not mean doing everything at once. A teacher can begin with one new method per week. For example, if you always lecture, try a group discussion for one lesson. Slowly, you will get used to it.
The Cost of Refusing Change
Teachers who resist change face many problems:
- Learners become bored and drop out.
- Parents lose trust in the school.
- Teachers miss chances for promotion or recognition.
- Rwanda’s education goals are delayed.
Change is not only about government policy. It is about the future of every child. By refusing, teachers hurt learners, communities, and even themselves.
Practical Tips for Teachers
Here are some easy steps for teachers to embrace change:
- Use local materials: Teach fractions with beans, science with local plants, or geography with Rwandan maps.
- Encourage learners: Let them speak, present, and ask questions.
- Mix methods: Use songs, debates, stories, and role-play.
- Use technology wisely: Even a phone can be a teaching tool.
- Reflect daily: After each lesson, ask, “Did learners understand? What can I do better?”
Conclusion: Teachers Are Agents of Change
Change is not an enemy. It is a friend that makes teachers stronger and learners smarter. Rwanda’s education reforms are not meant to make teachers’ lives harder, but to prepare the next generation for success. Teachers who accept change become role models, leaders, and true nation builders.
As Nelson Mandela said:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Other links you can visit :
- Generative AI in Education: How It Can Help or Harm Equality in Classrooms
- How Repetition Shapes Memory: Practical Ideas
- When Hearts Whispers Episode 10: Journey
- Rwanda Education Board – Curriculum Framework.
- UNESCO: Education for Sustainable Development.
Call to Action
What about you, dear teacher? Have you faced challenges with change in your classroom? Share your story in the comments below. Let us learn and grow together! Don’t forget to follow to Teach Smart Africa for more teacher tips and inspiring stories.
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