Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has joined forces with a Dutch foundation- ‘Student Ownership for Learning’ based in Netherlands in an innovative partnership aimed at advancing student-led learning initiatives. The two have taken a significant step towards revolutionizing the implementation of Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya. The innovative project bringing together these two parties, aims to develop a tool that will enable stakeholders in the schools to gauge the effectiveness of the CBC curriculum, in promoting student ownership of their own education. On Thursday 15th August 15, 2024, the two partners hosted a workshop at the Main Catering Unit (MCU-MMUST), which brought together students, student-teachers, Junior Secondary Schools teachers and Curriculum Support as well as curriculum developers to introduce this innovative initiative. The workshop marked the beginning of a broader effort to re-orient teachers towards thinking, and practicing a culture of shared learning ownership as a means to spark interest and accountability of students.
The initiative is anchored on the development and implementation of a unique game designed to be played by learners, teachers and school leaders. This game will serve as a diagnostic tool that will create awareness of a school’s current standing in terms of student engagement and ownership of learning. The game aims to stimulate constructive dialogue about desired educational changes and to generate evidence for advocacy, decision making and CBC implementation process.
Recognizing the need for a local approach, MMUST and the SOL Foundation are working on customizing the game to suit the Kenyan situation. The MMUST- SOL planned pilot project will be tailored to raise the voice of students, introduce greater flexibility in curriculum control, encouraging more student input and equipping teachers with new approaches for assessment.
A section of workshop participants engage in group discussion.
The workshop highlighted several challenges in the current implementation of CBC in Kenya, particularly in terms of empowering learners to take control of their own learning. While the CBC is a step forward from the traditional 8-4-4 system, the participants observed that many of its learning strategies remain unchanged, with mentorship still flowing predominantly from teachers to students, rather than fostering a reciprocal approach.
The collaboration with the SOL Foundation is particularly noteworthy given the Netherlands’ advanced education systems that are globally recognized for their success. It is worth noting that in the Dutch system, learners have a significant voice in deciding what, when and how they wish to learn. This empowerment is something that the MMUST-SOL partnership aims to replicate in Kenya.
Dr. Rose Opiyo of MMUST gives an insightful presentation at the workshop.
Dr. Rose Opiyo, one of the pioneers of the initiative and an Early Childhood Education psychologist, emphasized that its primary goal is to transform the CBC into a more dynamic system that prioritizes mentorship over traditional teaching methods. “This initiative seeks to empower learners with 21st century skills through hands-on practical learning experiences and foster a collaborative learning environment where both teachers and students share ownership of the educational process,” she said.
Dr. Bill Ouda, a pioneer and lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology also pointed out two significant challenges facing the CBC: the inadequate training provided to Junior Secondary School teachers and the pressing need for enhanced professional development. He emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial for the successful implementation of the new curriculum.
A section of workshop participants engage in group discussion.
The highly interactive workshop featured a role-playing game that highlighted the critical role of data analytics in implementing student-centered policies. “To truly give students ownership of their learning, we must first give them a voice. This approach empowers learners to feel safe in taking risks, to engage more deeply, to stay motivated and to collaborate effectively in problem-solving,” remarked Dr. Henk Van Woudenberg, Founder of the Student Ownership of Learning (SOL) Foundation.
Dr. Caroline Wekullo, one of the pioneers of the initiative and a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Planning and Management emphasized that adopting this student-centered approach would not only reduce the burden on teachers, but also provide students with greater opportunities to have a voice and make choices in their educational journey.
Dr. Henk Van Woudenberg, Founder of the Student Ownership of Learning (SOL) Foundation addressing the participants.
MMUST remains committed to supporting the CBC by continuing to train teachers to the highest standards, identifying areas of weakness in the current system and advocating for improvements that ensure the best outcomes for learners. Through active participation in policy development and ongoing efforts to enhance the implementation of CBC, MMUST is certainly playing a key role in shaping the future of education in Kenya.
Other notable members present during the workshop include Mr. Elvis Kauka, a Lecturer of Philosophy of Education at MMUST and Mrs. Georgine Anyango, Principal at Mitukuyu Secondary School in Bungoma.
By Caren Nekesa and Rhoda Mwikali
Photos by Joshua Chiro and Steven Omondi
