By Kisambu Jane Nanteza
Initially, STiR’s innovative teaching methods were met with scepticism. Many teachers, myself included, saw them as a passing trend—focused more on leadership than on addressing the real needs of the classroom. With limited support and emphasis from headteachers and School Education Leaders’ the approach was often side-lined amid the demands of daily school life. This was the situation I, Kisambu Jane Nanteza, faced as a teacher at Kisiki College in Namutumba.
But oh, how the tides have turned!
Today, I write with a full heart and renewed professional energy: STiR is no longer a whisper—it’s a wave of change. Each term brings a fresh theme and practical strategies that have revolutionized teaching and learning. This term, the focus on collaborative learning has been truly transformative. Strategies like Think-Pair-Share, Placemat, and Jigsaw have turned previously silent classrooms into vibrant spaces filled with interaction and engagement.
One of the most remarkable moments occurred in my Senior Three D class, a group historically known for their silence and often labelled as “time takers.” But everything changed with the Think-Pair-Share strategy. During a group activity on the duties of a Local Council 1 Chairperson, students who had never spoken before began to engage. They whispered, they discussed, they shared ideas—and then they presented! The classroom became a hive of collaboration and confidence. I wasn’t just a teacher anymore; I became a facilitator of awakening.
The impact of the termly methodologies goes beyond anecdotes—it’s clearly measurable. We’ve seen greater learner engagement, even from the quietest students; stronger teamwork, with students collaborating effortlessly; increased confidence, as learners now present boldly; improved retention, with knowledge sticking through active involvement; enhanced real-world relevance, making lessons feel practical and meaningful; and reduced teacher burden, as we become guides rather than knowledge dispensers.
The success of the Teacher Changemaker Development Programme (TCMDP) at Kisiki College is proof of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment. It’s no longer about whether TCMDP works—it’s about how far we can take it. The Learning Improvement Cycles have rekindled the spark that has revitalized our classrooms. Each year, I feel more empowered, more equipped, and more excited to teach.
With continued support, training, and the sharing of success stories, I believe we’re just at the beginning of a brighter future for learners across Uganda—and beyond.
