Views:35 | By: Winnie The education system in Kenya has experienced a real transformation since the move from the 8-4-4 to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). CBC was introduced to remedy the flaws of 8-4-4, which sets its focus on the acquisition of practical skills for learners, as well as values and competencies necessary in the 21st century. Though 8-4-4 leaned towards memorization learning and academic excellence, CBC focuses on creating holistic development and learner-centered approaches. Below are five reasons why CBC is better than the 8-4-4 system.
1. Focus on Skills and Competencies:
CBC emphasizes practical, creative, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, which prepare the learners for real-life scenarios and the job market. On the other hand, 8-4-4 paid more attention to how much theory had to be memorized.
2. Learner-Centered Approach:
Contrary to the teacher-oriented 8-4-4 system, CBC is learner-based, interest, ability, and pace-focused. Such an approach will stimulate active participation, self-expression and the ability to personalize learning.
3. Continuous Assessment:
The CBC adopts continuous evaluation methods that are not based on high-stakes tests. Therefore, it is possible to conduct a precise and extensive estimative analysis of a student’s progress and development points as well as skills.
4. Adoption of Value and Life Skills
CBC incorporates values such as education, life skills, and citizenship, which nurture character and responsible citizenship. The 8-4-4 system had no systematic way of inculcating these values in a systematic form.
5. Sponsorships of Talents and Differences in Abilities:
CBC identifies and cultivates different talents such as sports, arts and trades; hence, learners can follow their strengths. The 8-4-4 system focused only on narrow academic fields and, as such, neglected to develop such talents.