Features

Parents should play their roles in Competency-Based Curriculum

Monday, September 20th, 2021 00:00 | By
Private schools welcome President Ruto's directive to form a task force to review implementation of CBC
Pupils in class. PHOTO/File

Kenya Institute for Curriculum Development (KICD) has embarked on yet another round of stakeholder engagement to further explain the concept of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The engagement comes against the backdrop of heavy backlash of the system that is now in its sixth year.

The last few months have seen disgruntled parents raise complaints, over assignments given to their children and even demand that the Government reverts back to the old 8-4-4 system.

However, the KICD has been categorical saying children should be allowed to do the work and parents only facilitate their children to work independently.

Similarly, KICD states that parents are empowered to raise any unsuitable homework with the head teacher of schools and if not addressed, specific issues can be reported to them or the ministry.

Last week, the Ministry of Education directed public schools to use projectors instead of asking learners to print assignment materials to cut on cost.

To remind Kenyans how important CBC is, KICD states that it is a system that defines learning from the point of view of learner performance, making as clear as possible what should be achieved and the standards for measuring that achievement.

KICD also defines CBC as outcome based rather than content based, focus is not for knowledge sake but on how Knowledge can be applied while assessment is criterion referenced where students compete against a standard rather than against each other.

Similarly, KICD explains that the curriculum has a focus on core skills namely communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, learning to learn, self-efficacy and digital literacy.

The ministry has also stated that CBC is designed in a manner that ensures all children exit basic education fully empowered and engaged with competences they can apply in national development.

KICD has also stated that there will be constant review of the curriculum.

Already, KICD has begun the process of reviewing CBC, in a bid to address concerns being constantly raised.

The review will first focus on early years, which comprises Pre-primary 1 and 2 as well as Grades 1 - 3.

Review for the rest of the classes is expected by the end of next year when CBC will have covered Grade 6.

Perhaps it’s time for parents to see beyond the assignments and embrace change for the good of their children’s future. 

There is also a need to consider the fact that in the 21st century, we cannot have an education system that ignores digital literacy.

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