A true learner projects way beyond the realm of a faster memory, accurate precisions, or high IQ scores.
In order to stay in line with the changing demand for skills in the workplace, students need to have access to a learning framework which meets the ever changing needs- a curriculum that’s comprehensible and relevant to current times.
Erick Mbachi, an educator at Green Hills Academy says the modern world has changed in terms of what parents, learners, employers, and society term as successful.
For him, a successful curriculum in the modern world would be that which equips learners with skills relevant to the 21st century, that is, ICT and other relevant soft skills.
It’s ideal to start by asking yourself what the goals and objectives (results) of the current curriculum are, he says.
Prince Aime Murara, the deputy secretary-general, Education for Nations and Humanitarian Africa (ENHA)-Girubuntu believes the education system would be heading to a dead-end in case grades, scores, and ranks were to have the critical concern.
With something new, positive, applicable, and logical being added to the brain, regardless of the Grade A ranking, he believes that one should be proud to step up higher in equipping themselves with more of the relating content.
He says he wouldn’t want someone who would mess up his business just because he had upper distinctions on his diploma. In fact, the educationalist says a person who practically mastered the art would attract him most compared to the one with higher marks, as there’s always a difference between memorising and understanding.
Focusing on the current skills
Mbachi says curricula are now more focused on skills (research, self-management, social, thinking and communication) rather than the passing of exams with the highest grades.
In his opinion, he believes that a curriculum that produces results is that which prepares learners and equips them with skills relevant to this modern world.
He goes on to note that there are companies and organisations that employ people based on their skills and they hardly look at their academic qualifications.
Jean Donald Munyeshuri, a computer science teacher at Lycee De Kigali says there is need to revise the curriculum to match with the present time.
Also, he says it’s important to place books and computers (among other materials) in all schools starting from those that are upcountry.
"Elderly teachers also need to be replaced with fresh graduates, as most of these teachers can provide skills to students as far as the new technology is concerned.”
Meanwhile, Munyeshuri also believes that the welfare of teachers should be taken into account, especially when it comes to added programs that have been recently put in place.
On the side of the government, he says there is need to build more Technical and Vocational Education and Training schools.
To sum up, Munyeshuri says that for a more responsive education system, parents should also play a role by taking full responsibility for their children such as being involved in their education.
Mbachi says with political stability as our best resource in Rwanda, there is a huge responsibility to exploit great learning from the environment, into more ideas vital for some of the problems that seem to be burdening our world especially in health and environmental perspectives.