The workshop participants.
A team of researchers led by the Associate Dean, the School of Education, Prof. Kennedy Bota has revealed that there are still gaps in the implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Core values. This was during a one-day dissemination workshop held on 26th May, 2023 at Mbale Boys High School. The core values include Responsibility, Love, Respect, Unity, Peace, Integrity, and Patriotism. Core values are critical in shaping students’ attitudes, beliefs, and ideas, helping them develop into undeterred and morally strong individuals. Their research titled ‘Examining Parents’ and Teachers’ Views in Relation to the Core Values of the Competency-Based Curriculum’, is among the many researches funded by the University Research Fund (URF).
The event was graced by the Director, Privately, Sponsored Student Programs, Prof. Benedict Alala who represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research, and Innovation). Prof. Alala noted that the most important component of this new curriculum is value-based learning where teachers are encouraged to infuse values in their lessons to ensure an all-rounded learner.
One of the participants asking a question during the plenary session.
“Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) is an approach in which students work at their own pace to demonstrate mastery in the competencies. Value-based learning is key to achieving these goals, not only in promoting learners’ competence but also personality traits that can influence the good character in society,” said Prof. Alala.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Kennedy Bota addressing the participants.
The Principal Investigator, Prof. Kennedy Bota stated that parental engagement in a learner’s learning process is credited with the benefits of improving children's behavior and development of moral values. He further said that as a research team, they have identified parental engagement as another gap and will base their next study on it.
“The study recommends sensitization of parents on their roles in the development of the values of their children. We also encourage you to collaborate with parents for the successful implementation of CBC. If these values are well effectively inculcated, we can have a corrupt free country,” he added.
The Co- Principal Investigator, Prof. Winnie Muchera making a presentation at the workshop.
The Co-Principal Investigator, Prof. Winnie Muchera said that according to their findings, female teachers scored highly on their perception of the importance of core values however, they found it difficult to incorporate these values. On the other hand, the male teachers scored less in on their perceptions of the importance of CBC core values but were able to incorporate them.
“The teachers who underwent training had less difficulty in incorporating core values. Their teaching incorporated group work, singing, collaboration, storytelling, and parental involvement. If tested or assessed like other subjects, the core values will be taken more seriously by teachers and students,” she said.
Reiterating other speakers, Dr. Edward Okaya who presented on ‘Conclusions and Further Research’ said that the team had identified an area for further research which is ‘Gender and Implementation of CBC’. As a way forward, the team also suggested the need for further training in patriotism and Integrity as well as the provision of resources for teachers to ensure that these values are imbibed. The other researcher, Mr. Job Namai -Daystar University played a key role in rapporteuring and chairing the plenary sessions.
This workshop brought together participants from Vihiga, Hamisi, and Sabatia Sub-Counties. It was also attended by policymakers from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and officials from the Ministry of Education.
Prof. Kennedy Bota (seated right), Dr. Edward Okaya and other workshop participants.
The Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM), Dr. Lydia Anyonje in her remarks, pointed out that the dissemination of the research findings is timely since CBC is in the initial years of implementation.
“The University is interested in what our researchers are doing since it contributes to the image and ranking of the institution. This is a timely study whose findings should be documented to bring change in our education sector.,” said Dr. Anyonje.
Indeed, CBC is a curriculum that requires training and research for it to be successfully rolled out in Kenya.
By Linet Owuor and Shiundu Masafu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
