My first encounter with the new curriculum was in 2021, the second year of its implementation. At my station, the school administration financed the training of only those who handled S.1 in 2020, imploring them to train others. Unfortunately, the ones who trained seemed greener than the bunch of us who remained behind. As such, when I was allocated a class in 2021, I grew anxious - what will I do? But of course I entered class and right now I can reliably say it's been quite a journey, and it's been worthwhile.
How I Managed
Positive attitude. It sank in my heart that the curriculum was here and it was here to stay. It was upon me to step up to it for my own sake and most importantly for the sake of my learners.
Ears on the ground. I made sure I stayed in the loop on any new developments as they came by. Yes, I did not want to be left behind. I constantly changed with the tide.
Peers. I constantly engaged with my fellow teachers, near and far. How do you do this? What does this mean? What if I do this? It's during this time that I joined WhatsApp groups like my life depended on them 🤣
The syllabus. I revised the syllabus book like I would read a doctor's prescription, not wanting to deviate even an inch from it. I followed KUSVA to the dot, to the extent of creating my own learning activities that suited my learners and available materials.
Sharing. As the light became brighter for me, I have not shunned away from lighting the path of others, most especially the fresh graduates.
Challenges
To this day, a week doesn't go by without a hitch in my day-to-day activities as a teacher in the new curriculum. However, what stands out for me is the limited resources - textbooks, access to internet, laboratory supplies, time, name it. I constantly find myself in a situation where the spirit wants to do what is right but the body just fails.
As a teacher in a rural school, I constantly struggle with sustaining the interest of learners who are hungry most of the time, have low self-esteem, can't express themselves freely most especially in English, have a negative attitude towards the subject (Chemistry), and cap it off with the large class size. The exhaustion by the end of the week is so immense that I sometimes fail to prepare for the following week's lessons.
Rewards
I recently transferred station. The positive feedback from learners is my ultimate prize. In the few months we've been together, we have realigned our attitude towards the subjects, improved class participation and improved performance. I couldn't ask for more.
Take away
Your success in the implementation of the new curriculum is a mix of so many factors and stakeholders, starting with yourself.
The NCDC materials are so helpful to us as teachers, treasure them. Collaborations with fellow teachers is helpful, reach out. You can make your class what you want it to be, design it.
Thanks.
P.S
I would love to hear about your journey, advice and tips 🙏