The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a new system of education in Kenya that aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century. The CBC focuses on developing competencies such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and digital literacy, rather than memorizing facts and figures.
As a parent, you may be wondering how you can support your child’s learning under CBC and help them achieve their full potential. Here are some tips to guide you:
- Understand the CBC framework and its benefits. The CBC has six levels: Early Years Education (EYE), Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, and Tertiary Education. Each level has a set of learning outcomes and core competencies that learners are expected to attain. The CBC also offers learners more choices and flexibility in their learning pathways, as well as opportunities for practical and project-based learning. You can learn more about the CBC framework and its benefits from the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) website or by attending parent-teacher meetings at your child’s school.
- Encourage your child’s curiosity and creativity. The CBC encourages learners to explore their interests and passions, and to apply their learning to real-world situations. You can support your child’s curiosity and creativity by providing them with a variety of learning materials and resources, such as books, magazines, games, puzzles, art supplies, musical instruments, etc. You can also engage your child in conversations about what they are learning at school, and ask them open-ended questions that challenge them to think critically and creatively.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development. The CBC emphasizes the importance of developing learners’ social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, resilience, and leadership. You can support your child’s social and emotional development by creating a positive and supportive home environment, where your child feels loved, valued, and respected. You can also model positive behaviors and attitudes, such as being respectful, responsible, honest, and kind. You can also help your child cope with stress and challenges by listening to their feelings and concerns, and offering them guidance and encouragement.
- Collaborate with your child’s teachers and school. The CBC requires a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and schools to ensure the success of learners. You can collaborate with your child’s teachers and school by being involved in your child’s learning activities, such as homework assignments, projects, assessments, etc. You can also communicate regularly with your child’s teachers and school administrators, and provide them with feedback and suggestions on how to improve your child’s learning experience. You can also participate in school events and activities, such as parent-teacher associations (PTAs), clubs, sports, etc.
- Celebrate your child’s achievements and progress. The CBC recognizes that every learner is unique and has different strengths and abilities. You can celebrate your child’s achievements and progress by acknowledging their efforts and accomplishments, both academic and non-academic. You can also praise your child for their positive behaviors and attitudes, such as being cooperative, helpful, respectful, etc. You can also encourage your child to set realistic and attainable goals for themselves, and to reflect on their learning process and outcomes.
