Kenyan teacher and AI expert Daniel Mwendwa Katula has emphasized the need for classrooms that foster confident and outspoken learners. Speaking on Radio Generation on October 1, 2026, Katula stated that teachers play a crucial role in shaping learners' confidence, values, and character, in addition to providing academic instruction. He believes that learners should be encouraged to understand the reasoning behind classroom tasks, rather than simply following instructions without questioning.
According to Katula, giving learners room to question instructions in a respectful manner can help them develop confidence and prepare them for situations where they will be required to make decisions, express their views, and deal with difficult situations. He cited the example of Braeburn circles, which aim to produce confident individuals who can face challenges without backing down. By nurturing this confidence, teachers can help learners become more outspoken and participatory in class.
Katula's comments come ahead of World Teachers' Day on October 5, an annual event that recognizes the work of teachers and draws attention to the conditions they need to support learners effectively. This year's theme, "Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures," highlights the importance of educators in shaping the future of learners. The 2026 observance marks 60 years since the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
UNESCO says that teachers who are properly trained, supported, and valued are central to quality education. However, the organization estimates that the world will face a shortage of 44 million teachers by 2030, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia among the regions facing a major challenge. In Kenya, the competency-based curriculum lists seven core competencies, including self-efficacy, communication, and collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Katula emphasized that teachers should be willing to listen when learners offer different views, rather than treating disagreement as a sign of disobedience. He believes that educators should view themselves as facilitators of the learning process, giving students an opportunity to share what they know, especially as digital technology has made information more accessible. By doing so, teachers can create a collaborative learning environment that fosters growth and development.
The focus on confidence and participation in Kenyan classrooms aligns with the country's competency-based curriculum, which aims to produce learners with a range of skills and competencies. Katula's approach also requires teachers to accept that learners can sometimes have information or ideas that the teacher does not have. By acknowledging this, educators can create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment that values learners' contributions.
As World Teachers' Day approaches, Katula's message puts greater focus on the role of the classroom in raising young people who can communicate confidently, take part in discussions, apply what they learn, and face challenges in a changing society. His call for educators to create classrooms that build confident, outspoken learners is a timely reminder of the importance of teacher support and training in achieving quality education.
Key points
- Teachers should create classrooms where learners gain confidence to speak up and question ideas respectfully.
- Learners should be helped to understand the reason behind classroom tasks instead of being expected to follow instructions without asking questions.
- Educators should view themselves as facilitators of the learning process, giving students an opportunity to share what they know.
