Brit author leads teacher workshop on joyful learning
British author and educator Claire Horsburgh, associated with Oxford University Press (OUP) for more than a decade, conducted an English language teaching workshop at Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, on Monday. As many as 60 teachers, largely primary, from 25-plus schools attended the workshop.
Catalysing the change
Claire focused on joyful learning pedagogy as outlined in the Ministry of Education's National Curriculum Framework (NCF-2023). Claire Horsburgh said, “It is always a pleasure to visit India and connect with the strong roots I have in this country. The Indian education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the government's new National Curriculum Framework is catalysing this change. I feel privileged to train teachers in India to adopt innovative techniques and methodologies that can make their classrooms joyful and engaging.”
NOME launched
The new 2025 edition of OUP's English course, New Oxford Modern English (NOME), was launched today. First published in 1987, NOME has been regularly revised based on user feedback to meet evolving learner needs.
Core competence
The British author stressed on the importance of building core competencies in students, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar. She also emphasised developing 21st-century skills and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). Additionally, she highlighted holistic learning, pride in Indian literary heritage, experiential learning through activity-based tasks, art integration, and projects designed to engage learners and help them develop cross-curricular connections and life skills.
Unique journey
Claire added, "As an educator and author, I've seen how language can unlock opportunities and connect cultures. This experience has shaped my career and given me insights into what motivates learners. Each learning journey is unique, and resources should adapt to individual progress, helping teachers personalise their approach. Remember, it's okay not to get it right the first time -learning is a lifelong process."
Global opportunities
Chirag Vashishta, Associate Director International Schools, Oxford University Press India, said, With a rich legacy of shaping education, we are dedicated to creating resources that empower learners and educators alike. "English remains a bridge to global opportunities, and our focus is on providing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of learners. By fostering strong language foundations and encouraging creativity and critical thinking, we aim to inspire educators to transform classrooms into hubs of engaging and meaningful learning." Chirag concluded.
