The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has supported the placement of grade six learners in their current primary schools instead of the newly built junior secondary schools.
The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms recommended that the junior secondary learners should be domiciled in existing primary schools.
KICD Chief Executive Officer Prof Charles Ochieng said that they support the anchoring of grade six learners in primary school since the learners are at a critical stage and they need familiar people to help them transition.
Ochieng who was speaking during Kenya Primary Schools Head teachers Association (KEPSHA) annual conference said that teachers act as “midwives” in the learners’ transition process, which happen both physically and emotionally.
“Some of the pupils in two years’ time will transition from childhood to adulthood and they need familiar faces to guide them. Teachers are people who can take care of them during this stage of transition to socialization and exploration,” he said.
He noted that a number of the learners are still emotionally attached to parents and guardians but also to their teachers thus the decision will serve good to the new Competence Based Curriculum (CBC).
“In many situations parents call teachers to talk to learners especially when going through emotional problems, this should tell you how important their role is,” he added.
Ochieng said in order to manage the transition of CBC for effective nurturing of every learner; the institute has put more emphasis on anchoring what transition and CBC means to teachers.
He said that as KICD advises the government on matters of curriculum, hence the demand to review the curriculum in standards of the 21st century that will fit today’s learners.
“One basic tool that teachers can carry out is the philosophy that govern the new curriculum which is that learning should be interesting and also make sure that students do not feel tortured, unhappy or forced as they come to school,” he said.
He urged the teachers to ensure that the first task in implementing the curriculum successfully is by noting that learners experience their learning by letting the content be done through experience of the learner.
“We are happy that you are exposing these pupils to practical development. As we are waiting for the government to avail resources, we can look for the available tools that we can get locally to support learning. Let’s maximize the use of local resources, as teachers, every object around is a teaching and learning resource, let’s embrace this attitude,” he added.
According to Ochieng, reviews on CBC have shown that children can now relate learning to solve problems in real life as teachers have been able to unpack the philosophy of CBC.
He noted that learners are able to interact with other people thus becoming competent communicators; they can also organize themselves and carry out various activities assigned.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir assured teachers of support in all endeavors in ensuring that education of the young people surpasses in the region.
Nassir said that he has rolled out a free lunch programme for pupils in Early Childhood Development Education centers in the county. He also pledged to support the re-establishment of all the schools that were closed during Covid-19.
“I also pledge to ensure that teachers and all county staff get their salaries by 26 to 27th of every month as a way to boost their productivity. This is something very vital and I strongly believe in good governance. At the same time, I expect the teachers to deliver their expectations,” he said.
By Chari Suche
