The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a new approach to education that aims to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century. CBC focuses on developing competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy, rather than memorizing facts and figures. CBC also emphasizes learner-centeredness, inclusivity, and differentiation, to cater for the diverse needs and abilities of learners.
The Kenyan government has been implementing CBC since 2018, starting from pre-primary to grade 3, and gradually expanding to higher grades. The government hopes that CBC will improve the quality and relevance of education in Kenya, and prepare learners for the changing demands of the global economy and society.
However, implementing CBC is not without its challenges. Some of the major challenges include:
- Lack of adequate resources: CBC requires more resources than the traditional curriculum, such as textbooks, learning materials, infrastructure, and technology. Many schools in Kenya lack these resources, especially in rural and marginalized areas. This affects the quality and effectiveness of CBC delivery and assessment.
- Lack of sufficient training: CBC requires teachers to adopt new pedagogies and assessment methods that are different from what they are used to. Teachers need to be trained and supported to implement CBC effectively and confidently. However, many teachers have not received adequate or timely training on CBC, or face challenges in accessing or applying the training they receive.
- Lack of awareness and support: CBC is a major shift from the previous curriculum, and requires the involvement and support of all stakeholders, including parents, learners, community members, employers, and policymakers. However, many stakeholders are not fully aware of or convinced by the benefits and rationale of CBC, or face challenges in adapting to the new system. This may lead to resistance or apathy towards CBC implementation.
Despite these challenges, CBC has the potential to transform education in Kenya and beyond. To realize this potential, there is a need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address the challenges and support the successful implementation of CBC. Some of the possible solutions include:
- Mobilizing more resources: The government and other partners should allocate more funds and resources to support CBC implementation, especially in under-resourced schools and regions. This may include providing more textbooks, learning materials, infrastructure, technology, and incentives for teachers and learners.
- Enhancing teacher training: The government and other partners should provide more and better training for teachers on CBC pedagogy and assessment, both pre-service and in-service. This may include using online platforms, peer learning networks, mentorship programs, and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Raising awareness and support: The government and other partners should conduct more awareness campaigns and advocacy activities to inform and persuade stakeholders about the benefits and rationale of CBC. This may include using mass media, social media, community forums, workshops, exhibitions, and testimonials from successful CBC implementers.
CBC is a promising initiative that can improve education outcomes in Kenya and beyond. However, it requires careful planning, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and improvement to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. By working together, we can overcome the challenges and reap the benefits of CBC for our learners and our nation.
