Why do parents and teachers hate CBC (competency Based Curriculum)? A simple response would be the engagement the curriculum has brought. Days are gone when parents were not involved in their children studies. The teachers are loaded with a lot of work than before.
But before parents and teachers condemn CBC, they need to know the benefits it has to the learner. Unlike in the past when the learners were only tested on five areas, that’s is English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Religious Education, CBC tests learners in more than ten areas.
For instance, for a child who is joining Grade 1 these are the areas CBC is testing:
So next time your child asks you for something know it is purposely for learning. CBC is not designed for teacher alone. Parents must play their part for it to be a success.
But before parents and teachers condemn CBC, they need to know the benefits it has to the learner. Unlike in the past when the learners were only tested on five areas, that’s is English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Religious Education, CBC tests learners in more than ten areas.
For instance, for a child who is joining Grade 1 these are the areas CBC is testing:
- Language and Literacy Competencies; this tests use of courteous words when communicating, ability to tell a story, sounds, writing, reading and writing own name. This competency tests in details and thus is far better than how English was tested. When I was in the university I used to teach primary and secondary schools during long holiday and I could meet students who could not read or write something comprehensible. The sad thing was no one took the responsibility to help the learner be able to read or write. The teachers at higher classes blamed the initial teacher. Parents with children joining Grade 1 this is an area you need to understand If you want your child to proceed to the next class.
- Mathematical Thinking Competencies; this area tests the ability to count numbers, recognize coins, sort objects, perform operations, tell time of the day, among other things. If you have a child in PP1 and PP2 who cannot carry out these things, as a parent you need to liaise with the child teacher so that you can define how to help the kid. But, parents need to be cautious when approaching the teacher. Parents who blame the teacher on the child under performance make their children to be “put in natures corner.” This is the group the teacher never cares to help. Even if the learner has a question or dares to answer a question in class the teacher ignores him or her. How many of your children are in natures corner?
- Physical Competencies; this tests movement of body parts. For example, skipping, bending, Hopping, tip toeing and so forth. This competency can help the parent and the teacher to identify special needs early in a child. This is very important for seeking medical attention on time.
- Creative Art Competencies; this area tests the learner’s ability to model objects, form art work, print patterns, fold papers to different objects, etc. This competency can help parents and teachers to identify if the child can do well in Art and drama.
- Scientific Thinking Competencies; this area tests the learner’s ability to understand physical and natural world. The learner should be able to read weather charts, identify body parts, name foods, among other areas.
- Social – Emotional and General Knowledge Competencies; this area tests the child ability follow instruction, relate with other children, self-control, identify direction to their home, etc.
- Life Skills Competencies; this area tests the learner’s ability to take care of self. For example, feeding self, going to the toilet, relating with strangers, leadership skills and so forth. This is an area that can help parents and teachers know areas that need to corrected. Also, strengths that a child demonstrate need to be reinforced.
- Music and Movement Competencies; this tests the child ability to use voice and music instruments to create sound. It also looks on how the learn responds to beats and rhythm. Memorizing poems and songs is also an area of interest.
- Spiritual and Moral Competencies; this competence looks on the child ability to recite verses, say prayers, understanding of religious activities and places of worship. It also looks on morals and values like honesty, love and differentiating what is good and what is bad. This area especially on spiritual part is contentious in that it does not factor the children born in pagan families. I have been in contact with what is tested on this area and only Christianity and Islamic is taught. What about those who subscribe to the traditional form of worship?
- Approaches to Learning Competencies; this area looks on the child eagerness to learn new things, ICT skills, creativity, completing tasks, self-drive among other areas.
So next time your child asks you for something know it is purposely for learning. CBC is not designed for teacher alone. Parents must play their part for it to be a success.
