Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Publications
LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Affiliations
Software
Languages
Interests
Timeline
MUNETSI RUZIVO

MUNETSI RUZIVO

Mount Pleasant
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins

Summary

Committed and engaging Assistant Professor bringing exceptional lecturing skills and expertise in Global Christianity. Gifted in engagement and guidance of students with 2-5 years in postsecondary education.

Committed and engaging Assistant Professor bringing exceptional lecturing skills and expertise in Global Christianity.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant Professor

University of Zimbabwe
09.2001 - Current
  • I was responsible for teaching 80-100 second-year students
  • My role was lecturing, conducting tutorials, giving essays, and assessing them through marking and examining them at the end of the semester, uploading their coursework marks, averaging them, and computing
  • I did the upload- of their examination marks setting the marking parameters and then computing the exam marks and presenting them to the Departmental Board for analysis
  • At the end of the semester, I asked students to assess my teaching by filling in forms they took to the Chairperson’s office
  • Besides class activities my task was conducting research for publishing purposes and doing community outreach
  • I designed and formulated the Christian History and Thought course outline for second and Third-year students
  • I supervised more than120 BA Honours dissertations and more than15 Masters students
  • Many of our students were employed as school teachers in Government departments and the private sector
  • I led the crafting of new Religious Studies programs in consultation with the community and church leaders as well as church-related organizations and ecumenical bodies
  • I was also in the lead in their implementation in2019
  • Critical Skills
  • Analytical skills needed in analyzing data from various perspectives
  • I have the skill of inference that enables me to make guided guesswork, estimation, and prediction of outcomes to enable me to make well-founded assumptions that can inform my decision-making process
  • Creative thinking is one attribute of critical thinking that I have
  • I can think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving
  • Effective communication: I am an effective communicator and I can relay my ideas in a compelling way and at the same time I can absorb the response of others
  • I am an open-minded person who approaches situations with an open mind and I can embrace other views and opinions
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
  • Mentored students and communicated internship and employment opportunities.
  • Helped struggling students by providing support outside of classrooms and consistently checking in on progress.
  • Contributed to campus activities to promote positive university image.
  • Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
  • Increased academic achievement by providing one-on-one mentoring and support to struggling students.
  • Inspired critical thinking skills among students by fostering a learning environment that encouraged open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual exploration.
  • Revised course objectives, course materials, instructional and assessment strategies for [Type] courses.
  • Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
  • Developed innovative curriculum for interdisciplinary courses, fostering a broader understanding of various subjects for students.
  • Facilitated a supportive learning environment with clear expectations, constructive criticism, and open communication between students and faculty members.
  • Enhanced student research skills by supervising independent studies projects both inside and outside the classroom setting.
  • Proctored exams and provided remediation for learning improvement goals.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum revision, evaluation of course syllabi and lesson plans for Global Christianity curriculum.
  • Streamlined the grading process with efficient rubrics and timely feedback on assignments, improving overall workflow efficiency.
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
  • Worked with dean to assess and evaluate courses and programs in appropriate discipline.
  • Identified research opportunities for students, assisting with gathering data and drawing conclusions for projects.
  • Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Designed and implemented various educational activities and programs to meet student needs.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting debate case.
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
  • Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
  • Incorporated instructional technologies in course delivery for both in-class and online instruction.
  • Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
  • Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
  • Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
  • Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
  • Participated in various campus memberships at each assigned school to promote academics and faculty development.
  • Supported multidisciplinary research teams focused on scholarly publication.
  • Developed diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
  • Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
  • Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
  • Strengthened relationships with colleagues by participating in collaborative projects and research endeavors.
  • Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum revision, evaluation of course syllabi and lesson plans for [Area of study] curriculum.
  • Elevated student satisfaction rates with accessible office hours, thorough explanations of complex topics, and consistent positive reinforcement.
  • Enhanced cross-disciplinary collaboration through active participation in departmental meetings and workshops.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
  • Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.
  • Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.
  • Support Global Christianity lab sessions, contributing to student engagement, comprehension and learning objectives.
  • Promoted diversity and inclusion within the classroom through culturally responsive teaching practices and diverse reading materials.
  • Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.

High School Teacher

Chikangwe High School Ministry of Education
01.1998 - 02.2000
  • I worked individually, as a teacher, with30 school children to develop memory retention skills through interactive games
  • I arranged excursions with the class of 20 to visit churches and temples in and around Karoi and to have lessons there
  • I organized sporting tournaments with the school teams
  • Critical Skills
  • Patience: In a given class I have the patience to assess the needs of each student and then give individualized support and at the same time acknowledge that they may need different approaches and timelines to grasp any given topic or lesson
  • Challenges and problems in the teaching field require creativity to solve them, and I have often had to think outside the box
  • Leadership is an important aspect of a teacher and I have been a role model for many of my students
  • I have organisational skills that help me to maintain order be it in physical space or in tasks themselves
  • I edited the Journal of African Mission in Context2010
  • I edited the Journal of African Philosophy Religion and Culture2019-2021
  • I edited Ecumenical Christianity and Political Transition Book2023-2024
  • I can communicate both verbally and in written form and this enables me to receive, share, process, and record information
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Evaluated student performance through comprehensive assessments, identifying areas of improvement and providing targeted feedback for growth.
  • Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to the field of study.
  • Contributed to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, assessment strategies, and accreditation requirements.

Education

PhD - Church History

University of South Africa

Doctoral Thesis: A History of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe1908-1980

Master of Arts - Religious studies

University of Zimbabwe, Harare
10-2014

Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies

University of Zimbabwe, Harare
10-1998

Skills

  • Computer Skills: Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Data Management, Classroom Management, Electronic Presentation Skills, Internet Navigation Skills, Email Management Skills, Networking Skills, Google Classroom, Zoom Meeting
  • Professional Affiliations: Church History Society for Southern Africa International Oral History Association International Association of Mission Studies
  • Mentoring students
  • Time management
  • Lecturing
  • Classroom management
  • Faculty collaboration
  • Teaching excellence
  • Student evaluation

References

David, Maxwell, Professor, University of Cambridge, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History, St Andrews Street, CB33AP

Publications

  • “The African Catholic Agents and the Propagation of Faith in Zimbabwe” in The Power of Oral History: Memory and Development Vol.2 edited by Philip Denis and James Worthington2002.1313-1318.
  • “Pentecostal Churches and African Renaissance” in Chiedza Journal of Arrupe College Vol.6 May200338-43
  • “Religious Tolerance: The Need for Interfaith Dialogue” in EDICISA News Vol.19 No.9/10 September/October2003.19-20
  • “Elizabeth Musodzi: The Catholic Woman Agent of the Gospel in Harare” in Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae Vol. XXXI (2) October2005.63-75
  • African Initiated Churches and the Use of Water in Zimbabwe’ in Interreligious Insight: A Journal of Dialogue and Engagement Vol.5 No.1 January2007.43-53
  • ‘Evangelical Christians-Muslims Relations in Zimbabwe’ in Interreligious Insight: A Journal of Dialogue and Religious Engagement January Vol.6 No.1200827-36. “African Agents of the Gospel Message and Expatriate Missionaries. A Cultural Exchange in the Production of Knowledge in Zimbabwe with Special Focus on the Jesuit Catholic Missions” in Missionsgeschichte als Geschichte der Globalisierung: Transkulturelle Wissensumgening und Vermittlung Durch Christliche Missionare in Africa Und Asien im17.,18. Und19. Jahrhundert, edited by van der Heyden and Feldtkeller Andreas von Wissen Berlin: Franz Steiner Verlag2012.359-268.
  • Succession Debates in the Johane Marange Apostolic Church” in Multiplying in the Spirit: African Initiated Churches in Zimbabwe, Vol.15 Issue1 edited by Ezra Chitando Bamberg: Bamberg University Press2014.15-31.
  • “The Declaration of Zimbabwe as a Christian Nation: An Examination of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe Proposal to the Constitutional Commission of Zimbabwe October1999” in the Bantu Journal of Religion and Contemporary Affairs Vol.1 No.1,2018.111-132.

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

  • Acting Chairperson Department of Religious Studies. Classics and Philosophy2021-2022
  • Coordinator of affiliate and Associate Colleges of the University of Zimbabwe2019-2023
  • I assisted Associate Colleges of the University of Zimbabwe in crafting programs for their Diploma courses
  • I worked with others in the department to identify a rural mission pastor worthy of being awarded an honorary doctorate.
  • I organized interreligious dialogue seminars in Harare.
  • I organized the Church History International Conference in November2023.
  • I organized a Church history presentation seminar at the University of Zimbabwe.
  • Currently, I am organising a Church History Society Conference for Southern Africa

Accomplishments

  • Achieved research targets by completing editorial work on the book project accurately and efficiently.
  • Supervised a team of staff members on a project: Applied Ethics and Religion Research Group on Drug Substance and abuse among artisanal miners.
  • Collaborated with a team of 27 researchers to develop a project on Applied Ethics Religion and Human Development.
  • Collaborated with Professor David Maxwell in the Alborada Cambridge Research Fund on A Project
  • Collaborated with Ezra Chitando in The Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Development
  • Collaborated with Ezra Chitando on Players and Prayers Book Project
  • Collaborated with Ezra Chitando on Multiplying in the Spirit Book Project
  • Collaborated with Artwell Nhemachena, Africa at the Crossroads Theorising Fundamentalism book project
  • Collaborated with J Kangira on Decolonisation of Materialities or Materialisation of Colonisation?

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations

  • Oral History Association, Association of Mission Studies, Church History Society of Southern Africa and Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians

Software

Microsoft excell Microsoft Word

Languages

English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Elementary (A2)

Interests

Exercising and watching Documentaries on Nature

Timeline

Assistant Professor - University of Zimbabwe
09.2001 - Current
High School Teacher - Chikangwe High School Ministry of Education
01.1998 - 02.2000
University of South Africa - PhD, Church History
University of Zimbabwe - Master of Arts, Religious studies
University of Zimbabwe - Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies
MUNETSI RUZIVO