Kakamega: The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has initiated a national training-of-trainers (TOTs) workshop aimed at enhancing the delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. This effort comes in preparation for the transition of the first cohort of competency-based education (CBE) learners to senior secondary school next year. The workshop is designed to equip senior school teachers with the necessary skills to accommodate students entering Grade 10 in January and to familiarize science teachers with the basic curriculum framework and assessment techniques.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative was discussed during a capacity-building seminar in Kakamega, where Dr. William Sugut, Head of Directorate Senior Secondary Schools, highlighted the interest of a significant number of students in STEM pathways. He stated that 569,000 students, representing 51% of Grade Nine students, have shown a keen interest in pursuing STEM subjects. Additionally, 437,000 students are inclined towards social sciences, while 151,000 are interested in arts and sports.
Dr. Sugut emphasized the government's shift from an examination-oriented system to a competency-based education system, providing students with three distinct pathways: Science-based subjects, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports. Dr. Sugut urged science teachers to focus on curriculum design, which outlines the syllabus for teaching various skills. He also noted changes in assessment methods in senior schools, with 30% being formative and 70% summative.
CEMASTEA's Chief Executive Officer, Jacinta Akatsa, conveyed through Thuo Karanja, Coordinator Performance Contracting, that senior school principals have already been equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for implementing CBE. Akatsa encouraged curriculum implementers to ensure that learners develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential for the digital age. The workshop, themed 'Enhancing the capacity of STEM heads of departments to manage transition in competency-based education (CBE)', is being conducted concurrently in Kakamega, Nakuru, and Nairobi, training 432 senior science teachers.