Through side chatting, a number of enquiries have been made regarding revelations on exactly how leadership works effectively and efficiently. The communication this week therefore was meant to be on how leadership works in institutions and other social set-ups, as clearly illustrated in chapter 8 of the concept titled “Living Beyond Survival: No More Tiptoeing in Life.”
But, a two page article on the Competency Based Curriculum – CBC, appearing as a paid advert in the Daily Nation of Monday 17th July 2023 distracted this focus. The detailed write up by Prof. Barchok, the governor of Bomet County should be a must read for every educationist in Kenya. Why? The CBC has taken off and now on Grade 7, thus irreversible.
Nevertheless, one could not agree more with the professor that CBC was initiated in order to cure the weaknesses of the 8-4-4 school curriculum. This Curriculum was meant to be practical, but ended up becoming theoretical, thus unable to satisfy the main objective of equiping students with employable skills that would enable even school dropouts, at all levels to be either self employed or able to secure employment in the informal sector.
Coincidentally, the last communication in this forum had focused on how the 8-4-4 system had killed the blue collar job empowerment pathway, whose ideas were aligned with the assertions of the professor. What does this actually imply? Had the weaknesses of the 8-4-4 education curriculum been carefully thought through, the CBC, may actually have been unnecessary.
Instead, it could have been easier to embrace a continuous improvement improvement process and still achieve the desired improvements (refer to https://youtu.be/5vIR69v50Ss on transformation of the education system). These 8-4-4 system weaknesses are precisely the issues that gave rise to the publication of the KICD approved concept titled “Career Dynamics in the 21st Century.”
Imperatively, implementation of the CBC involves 3 perspecives. Emphasis by policy makers has largely been on the infrastructure and technicalities of the CBC. Not so much is ever discussed or revealed about the philosophy of the CBC. Could it be that this philosophy is not known? Your guess can only be as good as mine.
Probably, this situation is what has led majority of educationists to continue having lukewarm support or understanding of the transformation of the education system. The good news however, based on feedback from those who have read Career Dynamics in the 21st Century or embraced our seminars for teachers, have come to terms with the Philosophy of CBC.
Most importantly, they are able to understand the whys, hows etc that led to the transformation of the education system becoming inevitable. As the Professor indicates through his article, determinants of quality education include the availability of qualified, motivated teachers and other education personel, conducive environment as well as access to requisite resources.
The assertion that the initial teacher education is not aligned with the new curriculum cannot be taken for granted. Remember that the thinking of the Kenyan teacher is still influenced by the paradigms of the 20th Century. How will that change without them being taken through a major shift of aligning with the 21st Century paradigms?
Keep in mind that only 10% of teachers became teachers by choice. Another 40-50% of teachers became passionate, while on the job. So, there’s a gigantic task of influencing the balance of the 40-50% of dispassionate teachers towards effectively and efficiently implementing the CBC. Why?
Successful and sustainable implemention of the CBC requires not only passionate, but also dedicated teachers. It is only then that the desired objectives of the CBC will be achieved, isn’t it?
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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