1) What courses do you teach?
Digital Society HL, ITGS SL
2) When did you start teaching with Pamoja?
2017
3) What inspired you to become a Pamoja teacher?
I was inspired to join the Pamoja online teaching community because the idea of fostering a learning environment that values diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds resonated with me. I believe in the power of education to transcend borders, and Pamoja’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences aligned with my passion for making education accessible to a broader audience.
Additionally, the prospect of being part of a community that embraces online teaching methods and encourages collaboration among educators was an influential factor in my decision.
4) What do you enjoy most about teaching online with Pamoja?
It has enriched my teaching philosophy by emphasising flexibility and adaptability in the online learning environment. The integration of digital tools showcases the transformative potential of technology in education, and Pamoja’s global school community has deepened my commitment to inclusivity, cultural understanding, and fostering a global perspective. Additionally, collaborating with a diverse range of teachers has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and refining my teaching approach.
5) How do you ensure students can actively engage with the learning?
I focus on creating interactive online sessions. Virtual quizzes add a playful dimension to assessments, while collaboration platforms allow students to share ideas in breakout rooms. These strategies not only make learning interesting, but also foster engagement and teamwork.
6) What’s one memorable moment or achievement from your time teaching with us?
At my school, we had a late transfer student who wanted to join the course, which had already started. This particular student was keen on majoring in business and information technology, so Digital Society aligned with their higher-education goals. Since the course hadn't been offered at their old school, however, there was some catching up to do.
Recognising a unique circumstance, we devised a catch-up plan along with the Site-Based Coordinator to give the student access to previous units and recordings – a flexible arrangement that would not have been possible in a traditional setting. This enabled the student to efficiently study the materials and sessions they had missed. These individualised sessions addressed the challenges of a new learning mode and operating in a different culture, and led to a significant improvement in the student's academic performance.
7) What advice would you give to students considering studying an online course with Pamoja?
Pamoja courses go beyond simply preparing you for the subjects you've chosen. They instil a diverse set of skills that are essential for personal and academic growth. Students naturally develop qualities such as collaboration, leadership, self-responsibility, effective communication, and reflective thinking. These skills are seamlessly integrated into the learning experience, ensuring that – alongside strong academic knowledge – they emerge with a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for future challenges and successes.
