Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Contemporary & Pertinent Challenges
The provision of education is a fundamental human right that significantly impacts individual well-being and overall living standards while playing a pivotal role in driving economic and social progress.
In line with this goal, the Kenyan government introduced the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) through the Ministry of Education in 2017. The CBC was designed to provide holistic learning experiences, equipping students with 21st-century skills tailored for the modern job market.
While the CBC has made considerable progress in reforming the education sector, it has encountered various contemporary challenges. This article explores the pertinent issues affecting the implementation of the CBC in Kenya.
Understanding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC):
The CBC emphasizes individualized learning paths to identify a student’s abilities and skills, offering personalized routes to course completion and focusing on clearly defined competencies.
Key Areas of Contemporary Issues in CBC Implementation:
The CBC framework addresses several categories to align with societal and economic demands:
1. Health: Covering topics such as HIV and AIDS, drug and alcohol addiction, non-communicable diseases, first aid, and addressing dangerous cultural practices.
2. Social and Economic Issues: Encompassing environmental concerns, gender issues, safety and security, environmental conservation, and pollution.
3. Global Citizenship: Emphasizing critical values like integrity, peace, and human rights.
4. Life Skills and Values: Fostering vital life skills and values, including self-esteem, self-awareness, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Contemporary Challenges in CBC Implementation:
1. Lack of Adequate Teaching-Learning Materials: The CBC requires more resources, including textbooks, instructional materials, and technology, which are often lacking in many schools, particularly in rural areas.
2. Inadequate Awareness and Support: Lack of awareness among stakeholders hinders effective CBC adoption.
3. Large Class Sizes and Teacher Shortages: Infrastructure development and teacher-student ratios need adjustments.
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4. Inadequate Teacher Training: Teachers require comprehensive training to deliver the curriculum effectively.
5. Assessment Standardization: Achieving consistency in assessment methods is an ongoing challenge due to the personalized learning approach.
Key Differences in CBC:
The CBC aims to replace the old 8-4-4 system, focusing on complex educational outcomes and implementing a 2-6-3-3-3 structure.
The new system emphasizes competency building and critical skills, replacing rote memorization with understanding and values.
Fundamental Competencies in CBC:
The seven fundamental competencies of CBC enable students to thrive in their studies and life, emphasizing creativity, communication, digital literacy, critical thinking, learning to learn, self-efficacy, and understanding citizenship.
In Conclusion:
This article highlights the contemporary issues surrounding the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges to integrate CBC successfully into the Kenyan education system, aligning it with the evolving needs of society and the economy.
Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Contemporary & Pertinent Challenges
