The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has ignited passionate discussions across Kenya since its introduction. As we strive to adapt to an ever-evolving educational landscape, some legislators have proposed a return to the 8-4-4 system, expressing their frustrations on social media. While their concerns merit attention, reverting to an outdated system would create more problems than it would solve. In this article, I will explore the merits of the CBC, highlight the challenges of the 8-4-4 system, and advocate for a focused effort to enhance the current curriculum rather than abandon it.
The Foundations of Education
Education is a cornerstone of any nation’s development, and our approach to reforms in this sector reflects our commitment to the future of our children. The CBC was introduced with the promise of a more holistic, competency-based approach to learning, which aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to the modern world. The underlying goal is to shift away from rote learning and examination-centric education, focusing instead on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Many subjects promoted by the CBC, such as Physical Education, Home Science, and Arts, were already part of the 8-4-4 curriculum. The issue was not the absence of these subjects but their ineffective implementation. Under the 8-4-4 system, these practical subjects were often neglected due to a lack of resources, qualified teachers, and institutional support. This neglect was at the heart of why the CBC was introduced in the first place.
A Knee-Jerk Reaction
The call to revert to the 8-4-4 system is, in my view, a knee-jerk reaction to the challenges faced by the CBC. The implementation of any new curriculum is rarely seamless, and the CBC has encountered its fair share of obstacles. Yet, retreating to a system that was discarded for failing to meet modern educational demands would not address the underlying issues but rather perpetuate a cycle of inconsistency that is detrimental to the education sector.
Consider the current educational landscape: Grade 8 students no longer sit for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and are expected to progress into secondary school under the CBC framework. Reverting to the old system would not only confuse these students but also destabilize the entire education calendar. Imagine the chaos of having Grade 9 students preparing for Form 2 exams while being part of a different progression model altogether.
Stability Over Inconsistency
Kenya’s education system has undergone numerous changes over the years, from the 7-4-2-3 to the 8-4-4 and now to the CBC. Each shift has brought its own set of challenges and opportunities, but we cannot afford to keep shifting gears without giving any system a chance to succeed. What we need now is stability and a commitment to making the current system work.
The CBC may have its shortcomings, but abandoning it would be a grave mistake. Instead of regressing, we should be focusing on refining its implementation. For the CBC to realize its potential, we must ensure that the content from the 8-4-4 system, particularly practical subjects like Physical Education, Home Science, and others, is fully integrated and receives the attention it deserves.
Improving CBC Implementation
The primary goal of the CBC is to provide students with practical skills and competencies that will benefit them in their future careers and lives. To achieve this, several key areas must be addressed:
- Resource Allocation: Schools need adequate resources, including textbooks, learning materials, and facilities to support the practical aspects of the curriculum. This requires a commitment from the government to allocate sufficient funds and support to schools, particularly in underserved areas.
- Teacher Training: The success of any curriculum depends heavily on the quality of teaching. Continuous professional development programs should be established to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement the CBC. This includes training in innovative teaching methods, assessment techniques, and ways to engage students actively in their learning.
- Curriculum Support: The curriculum itself must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains relevant to the needs of students and the job market. This involves collaborating with industry stakeholders, educational experts, and teachers to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- Parental and Community Involvement: Engaging parents and communities in the educational process is crucial for the success of the CBC. Schools should create platforms for parents to participate in discussions about curriculum implementation and provide feedback on their children’s educational experiences.
Learning from the Past
It is essential to learn from the past as we navigate the future of our education system. The 8-4-4 system was abandoned for valid reasons. It was criticized for being overly examination-focused and for failing to equip students with the necessary skills for the modern workforce. Reverting to this system would not only be impractical but also counterproductive, as it would reintroduce the very issues that led to the adoption of the CBC in the first place.
Additionally, as we reflect on the challenges of the CBC, we must acknowledge that change takes time. Educational reforms require patience, collaboration, and a willingness to adapt. Rather than throwing in the towel at the first sign of difficulty, we should view the current challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Our Children
In conclusion, the government should not play with our children’s future by reversing the progress made through the Competency-Based Curriculum. While it is easy to point fingers at the shortcomings of CBC, we must recognize that the path forward lies in refinement and enhancement, not regression. The CBC holds the potential to transform our education system and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
We owe it to our children to ensure that they receive the best possible education, one that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Instead of entertaining the idea of reverting to the 8-4-4 system, let us focus on making the CBC work. With a collective commitment to improvement, resource allocation, and effective teacher training, we can create a robust education system that meets the needs of our students and prepares them for a successful future.
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