In this first treatise, I start by defining the word ‘competency’ – it is the deployment of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes in performing a task. Just to apprise you. Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) abuts on 7 Core-competencies namely; Communication and collaboration, self-efficacy, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, digital literacy and learning to learn.
Session Paper No. 2 of 2015 on Reforming Education and Training in Kenya highly recommends a reformed curriculum, which adopts a competency-based approach. The EAC Curriculum Harmonisation Structures and Framework also wends that way. Based on the Needs Assessment Study carried out by Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) plus a special focus on mission and vision of Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF, 2019), the 7 Core-Competencies to be achieved by every learner are discussed deeper.
- Communication and Collaboration
Communication is the act of transferring information from one place to another, whether vocally, visually or non-verbally. Ideally, the discipline of communication focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media. Being able to communicate effectively as intended is a very important soft skill or life skill.
Consequently, collaboration is the process where two or more people work together to realise shared goals. Some sort of mastermind alliance. Collaborative learning is a system in which two or more people co-operate in a learning experience to share and contribute to each member’s understanding of a topic, and to complete a given task.
- Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is people’s capabilities to perform tasks or assignments that can transform life. Somewhat, it determines how people feel, think, behave and motivate each other. Meaning, learners with high assurance in their capabilities tackle difficult tasks as challenges they should master. Rather than as threats, they should shun. Self-efficacy fosters intense intrinsic interest.
Due to self-efficacy, learners set challenging goals then, they maintain strong commitment to them. Actually, self-efficacy as a core-competence enables learners to discover and develop intra-personal skills such as self-awareness, self-esteem and personal integrity. More into it, there is the Galatea Effect, where raising an individual’s self-efficacy spurs performance.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical thinking, creative thinking and problem solving – are the three strands of thinking. The British Council (2015) identifies 3 types of thinking as reasoning, making judgements and problem solving. Therefore, an important outcome of quality education teaches learners how to think critically. Critical thinking is important in relation to life-long-learning. It aids learners to have an open mind, be ready to listen, appreciate information and opinions.
- Creativity and Imagination
Creativity and imagination refers to the ability to form new images, sensations in mind and to turn them into reality. Albert Einstein sagely said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will take you everywhere.” In addition, it refers to the act of forming mental images of things that are not present to the senses.
This core-competency focuses on formation of something new or valuable. In educational terms, creativity and imagination refers to the ability of learners and their teachers to form images and ideas in their minds and turn them into perceptible creations. Learners who are imaginative and creative make life interesting for themselves and others around them.
- Citizenship
Citizenship is the state where one is conscious of prerogatives, privileges and duties of a citizen. It creates a sense of belonging and attachment to one’s nation. Sense of citizenship enables learners to tackle conflicts and controversies with great tact. Moreover, a deeper understanding of this competency helps them to understand the consequences of their actions and also of the people around them.
Historically, human beings have always formed communities based on shared identities. Such identities manifest in response to oodles of human needs, which can be economic, political, religious or social. Groups of identities grow stronger. Then, those who hold them in commonality with others organise themselves into communities, where they articulate their shared values, build governance structures: to support their deep-seated beliefs. In turn, individuals in such communities identify themselves as citizens.
- Digital Literacy
Digital literacy focuses on knowledge, skills and behaviours, which relies on wide range of digital devices and content. Such devices include mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops inter alia. All these gadgets fall within the category of network and enabled devices. It is instructive to note that digital literacy focuses mainly on network-enabled devices.
Therefore, we should never confuse digital literacy with computer literacy skills. Digital literacy skills also include being able to use computer communication networks. It is the ability to engage in online communication and social networks. Meaning, people who are digitally literate can comfortably use online learning sites such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
Likewise, they can navigate their way through social sites such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok et cetera. It is being aware of, and adhering to ethical behaviour protocols. It is being aware of societal issues raised through digital media. It is the ability to search, evaluate and use information channeled through digital platforms.
However, traditional forms of literacy and computer literacy are enhancers in the acquisition of digital literacy skills. Individuals wielding digital skills have a broad range of digital skills and knowledge. People who are digitally tick have basic understanding of the potential uses of computer devices. Furthermore, digitally literate people safely rely on technology to assess the nature of information acquired. In the process, they learn, meet, interact, connect and support each other.
- Learning To Learn
In conclusion, learning to learn is the ability to pursue and persist in learning. It explores one’s learning organisation through proper stewardship of time, information and making wise use of readily available resources. Ipso facto, there are 4 Pillars of Learning namely; learning to know, learning to do, learning to be, and learning to live together.
© Victor Ochieng’
The writer trains teams on Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)
vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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