One of the unique priviledges we have enjoyed in our journey across various Kenyan counties is witnessing the transformative shift from the 8-4-4 system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). With so much discussion still going on about 844 vs CBC, here is our unique take…..
Miti Alliance has been actively involved in schools across Kiambu, Nairobi, Kajiado, and 14 other counties. This continues to provide us with valuable insights into the growth and challenges of the CBC system. Our engagements, ranging from kitchen garden training to environmental education sessions and virtual reality experiences, have elightened us about the evolving landscape of education in Kenyan public schools.
Challenges Faced in 844 vs CBC transtion students
One recurring theme we observed was the noticeable challenge faced by upper-primary students (Grade 7-8) who have recently transitioned from the 8-4-4 system to the new CBC curriculum. These students had spent much of their primary life in the 844 curriuclum. In comparison to the enthusiastic participation we witness from Grade 4/5/6 students, there seemed to be a reluctance among the older grade 7 & 8 students. They often appear more intimidated and hesitant, refraining from active participation during our sessions. It could be because such enagement were not the norm in 844 curriculum, so the students struggle to adjust to it.
Teacher’s Response
Intrestingly, we have also noted that Grade 7-8 teachers tend to adopt a more passive role during our engagements. Often, they observe rather than actively influence the sessions. This contrasted sharply with the Grade 4/5/6 sessions, where teachers facilitate a more open learning environment and get more involved in the content. Notably, variations in teacher training were apparent, with some educators being fully equipped in CBC while others are still in the process of adapting to the new curriculum.
Our Hypothesis
We acknowledge that our observations are preliminary. We hypothesize that CBC has introduced a significant shift in the learning dynamics, impacting the younger students more profoundly than their older counterparts. Further research and exploration are needed to delve deeper into this hypothesis, and we look forward to continuing our investigations in the schools we visit.
As we continue our mission to reach 1000 schools in the next five years, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and transformation in the Kenyan education sector. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the dynamic landscape of environmental education in the 844 vs CBC shift.
We remain committed to establishing environment clubs, and other community-oriented initiatives within the schools we visit. Our hope is that these efforts contribute to the positive transformation of schools and communities across Kenya.
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