Schools are struggling to implement the new curriculum
Schools are using textbooks and other learning materials from the old curriculum to teach the new curriculum, MPs have learnt.
Although the new lower secondary curriculum was rolled out in February 2020 with the aim of producing wholesome learners, several schools are still relying on old materials to teach learners after the government failed to provide the necessary tools, citing a shortage of funds.
Among the requirements of the new curriculum is the emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving which involves identifying problems, analyzing information, and making reasoned decisions.
Others are creativity and innovation where learners must use their imagination to explore possibilities, work with others and try to generate new ideas and new solutions. The new curriculum also emphasizes communication, where learners must be able to comprehend, talk confidently, write accurately and fluently as well as present coherently using different media and communication ideas.
Unlike the old curriculum which was exam-oriented and encouraged academic competition between students and schools, the new curriculum encourages cooperation among students where learners across different subjects, classes, and even schools are encouraged to work together to solve societal problems.
Furthermore, learners irrespective of the subject must be able to interpret and interrogate accurately mathematical data to support decisions and also use technology (ICTs) to collaborate, communicate and refine their work. Other cross-cutting issues include environmental awareness, health awareness, life skills, citizenship, and patriotism.
Speaker Anita Among questioned how the government introduced a new curriculum without providing the required learning materials.
“You need to tell us how many schools you have given books because I cannot believe that you can introduce a curriculum without books,” said Among.
Kalungu West County MP Joseph Ssewungu said their earlier advice to halt the new curriculum before funds could be secured was ignored and yet three years on, their concerns have already started to manifest. There was even more confusion this year after the government scrapped the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) vocational exams that had been made mandatory for all senior three students in a subject of their choice.
“We had a long debate on the new curriculum madam speaker, and at one time, we’d even stated that that new curriculum should be halted until we fund it very well. As we talk now, a number of secondary schools are running a new curriculum but teaching using the old books of the old curriculum, and in public, there are people selling the same books at their own prices which is very expensive but government has refused to provide books to be used in the new curriculum. Can the ministry of Education come out directly and tell us how a new curriculum be taught using the old curriculum?” said Ssewungu.
He added that failure to provide the necessary learning materials will affect the performance of learners, especially those under the Universal Secondary School (USE) program.
“The National Curriculum Development Centre or the Uganda National Examination Boards will set exams based on the curriculum, that is why you will find USE schools failing because they do not have books while those in urban areas can afford to buy the books,” he said.
The minister of State for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, said that the ministry requested but was denied funds to support the purchase of learning materials.
“We did ask for money to support us specifically in terms of purchase of books and instructional materials, which I want to confirm as per our request, we did not get that money. Yes, we have the entire curriculum ready but our challenge is resources,” said Ogwang.
“These are the challenges we have. We have the entire curriculum ready but our challenge is resources. Permit me to formally bring a statement which will be debated,” he added.
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) MP Laura Kanushu asked the ministry to a report on why learners with disabilities have continuously performed poorly. She also asked the minister to give a report on the alleged eviction of learners from the School of the deaf in Mbale district.
Source: The Observer
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