The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Chief Executive Prof. Charles Ong’ondo has warned private school owners and teachers against assigning unreasonable tasks to students instead of using locally available materials.
In addition, Prof Ong’ondo urged business people to be aware of circulars issued by the government especially those concerning books.
Ong’ondo urged parents to be careful with some private schools which assign unreasonable homework adding that some of those schools have exaggerated the requirements.
“Why download stuff when children can draw or get from existing materials like newspapers?
“Parents are complaining that the CBC is expensive because a few private schools have teachers who are giving unreasonable assignments. A few private schools have exaggerated the demands,” said Prof Ong’ondo.
Private school teachers have also been warned against going on so many hours in the name of convenience.
He pointed out that the teachers take children to the fields required. For instance, if it is agriculture, they take the children to a farm or if it is industry and they charge a fee for that. In his view, this is what makes the CBC too expensive.
He said that there are no complaints from public schools even though they are also learning.
The KICD urged teachers in private schools to make learning an enjoyable activity.
The KICD boss reminded Kenyans that the CBC is all about formative assessment and it is not about assessment of learning but rather assessment for learning.
Regarding model test papers, the KICD CEO urged parents not to buy content that is not approved by the KICD.
“Schools, parents and members of the public should be aware that using non-approved KICD curriculum support materials is in contravention of Section 27 of the KICD Act of 2013 (Revised 2019),” warned Prof Ong’ondo.