Much as the authorities and some educationists continue strategizing on the transition of Junior to Senior Secondary Schools, there are some attributes that require to be taken rather seriously. But first, the main aim of transforming the education system through the Competency Based Curriculum – CBC is to produce quality graduates in line with the paradigms of the 21st Century.
These graduates will largely be aligned with their natural abilities thus able to easily secure lucrative jobs or create their own. But, is the implementation of the CBC aligned that way?
Once again, it makes sense to refer to Chapter 2 of Career Dynamics in the 21st Century ( 3rd edition, this time). The content illustrates how the education system curriculum in the 1970s and 80s recognized TWO empowerment pathways.
Those who excelled in the work of their hands, were transiting to technical secondary schools upon completion of primary school education. Majority were proceeding to academies, some of which had technical workshops as well.
Some students still transfered to technical secondary schools based on their interests and capabilities, as they proceeded to Form 3. All the rest were prepared towards the white collar jobs empowerment pathway, which is prevalent even today.
Meanwhile, each of the then 8 provinces had at least one technical secondary school. In these institutions, learners were prepared towards eventually embracing the blue collar jobs empowerment pathway which is associated with technical work such as plumbing, electrical work, auto mobile technology and building technology amongst many others.
As graduates leave school they were ready to face the world of either formal or self employment. Others progressed to institutions such as the then Kenya Polytechnic ( now Technical University of Kenya) and Mombasa Polytechnic ( now Technical University of Mombasa). Learners could still end up pursuing university education.
Sadly, this blue collar job empowerment pathway was seemingly abandoned along the way. This has contributed greatly to the high unemployment levels experienced by graduates of the 8-4-4 education system. Has the CBC adequately addressed this phenomenon?
Yes indeed, it has. The STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics empowerment pathway ensures that learners are aligned with their natural orientations. As such, technical subjects in different fields take care of those that are good with the work of their hands.
It is best when they excell in their intellectual capacities as well. A thumbs up to institutions where technical subjects and respectful departments are taken rather seriously.
It should by now be clear that senior secondary schools unable to embrace the STEM empowerment pathway, will have dealt a big blow to skills required in Blue Collar jobs. The aim of CBC producing quality graduates from these senior secondary schools will have been diluted.
Could failure of embracing STEM in some of the schools be retaining the weaknesses of the 8-4-4 system, this time through the CBC? Certainly yes. That is why embracing STEM in all Senior Secondary Schools should be treated by all educationists, as a critical consideration.
FYI
STEM empowerment pathway applies to both male and female institutions. This week, we will be conducting a seminar for the 4th Form of a leading girls’ school.
Perhaps, we should start observing the situation of science and technical subjects, therefore the effectiveness of the likely eventual alignment with the STEM Empowerm seeent pathway, in feminine schools.
Meanwhile, does your institution experience students’ challenger
-Attitudes?
-Learning Culture?
.Focus (Strategic direction)?
Improving these attributes at once, through our seminar titled ” Creating the Future Today,” will lead to reduced indiscipline levels and naturally improved performance as has been experienced by numerous schools spread in 12 counties, so far. This will also save students from experiencimg the eventual unemployment after school, which is now in the range of more than 60% of school graduates.
The most critical benefit is that the majority will align themselves with their likely purpose in life. This will lead to producing quality graduates from the school system. It doesn’t matter whether one is an A or D student. WELCOME for more!!!
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach,
Speaker/Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Seasoned Trainer of Trainers,
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect,
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
- The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254722516210
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