Focus on Curriculum
17 developed by the individual throughout his / her entire life . Key competences are responsible for individual success throughout the entire life , and to the good global functioning of the society derived from the action of particular citizens . Professional competences ( Proficiencies ): linked to Higher Education , they are associated with effectively performing certain professional tasks . They involve the capacity to solve complex professional questions , by mobilizing scientific knowledge and technical abilities , and respecting ethical considerations typical of that particular profession .
Education Reforms in Kenya :
Central to the education reforms , Kenya has been establishing an education system that addresses relevance , equity , inclusion and elimination of wastages among graduates . One of the challenges of education in Kenya is inequality , which means that those from low socio-economic backgrounds have difficulty accessing quality education . Since independence ( 1963 ), Kenya has constituted six
Pillars , Mission and Vision of CBC :
CBC draws its strength on the pillars that include values , theoretical approaches , core principles and the National goals of education so as to nurture every Learner ’ s Potential and release a lifelong learner ( Engaged , Empowered and Ethical Citizen ).
commissions and several taskforces to reform the education system to meet the country ’ s social , political and economic needs . Most recently , in 2017 , the government embarked on the most comprehensive education reform since 1981 , which has seen the introduction of the Competency Based Curriculum ( CBC ). The aim of the CBC is to guarantee basic education for every learner according to their abilities and needs . Education reforms emphasize that all children , especially those from marginalized groups and those with disabilities , should have access to quality education . Despite these reforms , challenges related to access , equity , quality , relevance and efficiency in the management of education resources are yet to be adequately addressed . Furthermore , implementation of the CBC has been marred by uncertainties , as it is increasingly becoming evident that the reforms may not necessarily close the equity gaps . Unfortunately if not intentionally checked , the gap in inequalities in education is increasingly widening even with CBC in place . CBC emphasizes on seven core competencies , which are :
• Communication & collaboration
• Critical thinking & problem solving
• Citizenship
• Digital literacy
• Creativity & imagination
• Learning to learn
• Self-efficacy
The emphasis on values and community service learning cannot be underscored in CBC . Similarly parental engagement and empowerment is a key component of CBC . Previously much of the student management has been weighing heavily on the teacher with a parent offering the most minimal support to the learning process . Tripartite approach to learning in which the learner , teacher and parent are fully engaged with the learner being the centric point is a strong basis for learner ’ s success .
CBC framework emphasizes on the National goals of education which are : 1 . Foster nationalism , patriotism and promote national unity
2 . Promote social , economic , technological and industrial needs for national development
3 . Promote individual development and self-fulfillment
4 . Promote sound moral and religious values
5 . Promote social equality and responsibility
6 . Promote respect for and development of Kenya ’ s rich and varied cultures
7 . Promote international consciousness and foster positive attitude towards other nations
8 . Promote positive attitude towards good health and environmental protection
What are the major shifts from the previous curriculum ?
In the envisaged knowledge economy , it is important to embrace what learners are able to do with the knowledge they acquire in the classroom . Linking academia to industry and real world experience is key for the learners to fit into the fast changing world . CBC envisages the following shifts :
EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021