International Journal of Research Studies in Education
2024
Volume 13 Issue 14
Available Online: 10 October 2024
Author/s:
Ismail, Mwasharifa*
The Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania (muhijeungendo@gmail.com)
Shavega, Theresia J.
The Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania (tjshavega@yahoo.com)
Abstract:
This paper is an attempt to investigate the implementation of competence-based curriculum as a means of improving pre-primary education in Tanzania. Specifically, the paper highlights the introduction of competence-based curriculum across the globe and its implementation in the context of pre-primary schools in Tanzania. The paper is based on literature review focusing on paradigm shift from traditional content-based to competence-based curriculum. In particular, the paper examines ideal practices in the implementation of competence-based curriculum and depicts the actual situation of the same in the context of pre-primary schools in Tanzania. Methodologically, the researchers read different publications on competence- based curriculum as a tool for improving pre-primary education and synthesized the reviewed information to developed thematic areas for this paper which include the concept of competence-based curriculum and its history and implementation of competence-based curriculum in the context of pre-primary schools in Tanzania. Empirical studies have revealed that the majority of pre-primary school teachers in Tanzania employ teacher-centered teaching and learning and assessment approaches. This is despite the fact that a competence-based curriculum emphasizes on the use of competence-based teaching and learning strategies and assessment methods. Based on these observations, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) should strengthen pre-service training for teachers, conduct regular in-service training for pre-primary school teachers, and provide supportive infrastructure and other resources for effective implementation of competence-based curriculum.
Keywords: competencies, competency-based curriculum, content-based curriculum, competence-based teaching and learning
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24121
Cite this article:
Ismail, M., & Shavega, T. J. (2024). Reflecting on competence-based curriculum as a tool for improving pre-primary education in Tanzania. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 13(14), 43-52. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24121
* Corresponding Author