Understanding the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya

A competency-based curriculum is an educational approach that focuses on developing specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (competencies) in students. This approach is centered on ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen career or field of study.

In a competency-based curriculum, learning objectives are explicitly defined, and students are expected to demonstrate their mastery of each competency before progressing to the next level. This approach emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and work at their own pace.

Let us try to understand in depth the seven competencies of Kenya's CBC curriculum, and their applicability.

1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Critical thinking and problem-solving are like a detective investigating a crime. The detective needs to analyze the evidence, consider different scenarios, and make logical conclusions based on the facts. In the same way, critical thinking and problem-solving involve analyzing information, considering different perspectives, and making informed decisions. In a competency-based curriculum, critical thinking and problem-solving are essential skills that students need to develop to be successful in their careers and lives. This means they must learn to analyze information and data, ask questions, and evaluate different solutions to problems. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to face challenges and make decisions in a variety of contexts, just like a detective uses their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve a case.

2. Communication and Collaboration

Communication and collaboration are like playing in a band. Each member of the band has their own instrument and part to play, but they must work together and communicate effectively to create a great sound. Similarly, communication and collaboration involve working with others to achieve a common goal. In a competency-based curriculum, communication and collaboration are critical skills that students need to develop to succeed in their chosen careers and life in general. This means they must learn to listen actively, share their ideas clearly, and work collaboratively with others to achieve a shared goal, just like members of a band must communicate and collaborate to create great music. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to work effectively with others and contribute positively to their communities.

3. Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is like knowing how to drive a car. Just as driving skills are essential to navigate the roads, digital literacy skills are essential to navigate the digital world. In a competency-based curriculum, digital literacy is a critical skill that students need to develop to succeed in their careers and life in general. This means they must learn to use digital tools effectively and responsibly, just as they learn to use a car safely on the road. They must be able to navigate the internet, use digital communication tools, and evaluate digital information critically. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to thrive in a world where technology is an integral part of daily life.

4. Ethical and Moral Reasoning

Ethical and moral reasoning are like being a superhero. A superhero must always make the right decision, even in the face of difficult challenges. Similarly, ethical and moral reasoning involve making decisions based on what is right and wrong, even in challenging situations. In a competency-based curriculum, ethical and moral reasoning are essential skills that students need to develop to succeed in their careers and life in general. This means they must learn to think critically about ethical and moral issues, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions based on their values, just like a superhero always does what is right. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to make decisions that are ethical and moral, even when faced with challenging situations.

5. Imagination and Creativity

Imagination and creativity are like being an artist. An artist takes raw materials and transforms them into something beautiful and meaningful. Similarly, imagination and creativity involve taking ideas and transforming them into something new and innovative. In a competency-based curriculum, imagination and creativity are important skills that students need to develop to succeed in their careers and life in general. This means they must learn to think outside the box, generate new ideas, and develop innovative solutions to problems, just like an artist creates something unique and beautiful. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to approach challenges with creativity and innovation, and to create value in their chosen careers and communities.

6. Environmental and Social Awareness

Environmental and social awareness is like being a gardener. A gardener is aware of the environment around them and takes care of the plants in their garden. They are also aware of how their actions impact the ecosystem and work to make the world a better place. Similarly, environmental and social awareness involves understanding the impact of our actions on the world around us and working to create a more sustainable and just society.

In a competency-based curriculum, environmental and social awareness are critical skills that students need to develop to succeed in their careers and life in general. This means they must learn to understand environmental and social issues, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to address them, just like a gardener takes care of their garden. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to create positive change in their communities and work towards a more sustainable and just future.

7. Citizenship

Citizenship is like being a member of a team. Just as team members work together towards a common goal, citizens work together towards the common good of their community. In a competency-based curriculum, citizenship is a critical skill that students need to develop to succeed in their careers and life in general. This means they must learn to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, participate in democratic processes, and contribute positively to their communities, just like a team member contributes to the success of their team. By developing these skills, students become better equipped to work together with others to create positive change in their communities and make a difference in the world.