UCU adopts competence-based curriculum

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Uganda Christian University (UCU) says it is rolling out a competence-based curriculum, ditching the old one starting with the May intake.

Previously, UCU offered degrees, including bachelor of arts in education and the bachelor of science with education, which did not emphasize competency-based training. According to university officials, this made it difficult for graduates to effectively teach within the new system, which the Government rolled out a few years ago.

According to deputy vice-chancellor in charge of academic affairs, Dr John Kitayimbwa, the decision is aimed at producing graduates who are equipped with employable skills that are competitive in the job market.

"UCU is adopting the new learner centred curriculum in line with the Government’s primary and secondary schools’ curriculum. Synchrony in the education sector is important and will further inform Uganda’s development efforts," Kitayimbwa said.

The new curriculum, which was rolled out in 2020, focuses on generic skills such as critical thinking, creativity, innovation, digital literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-directed learning.

Kitayimbwa noted that teachers, who were trained under the old curriculum, may struggle to adapt to the new approach, emphasising the need for universities to reimagine their teacher training programs.

To achieve this, UCU is introducing changes to its education programme, including reducing classroom time and increasing practical experience.

"Students will not be in class for five days as it has been, but will have classes for four days and one day will be to work with friends in the marketplaces," Kitayimbwa explained.

"This is to help them learn important skills of starting and maintaining a small business and how to keep track of sales."

Kitayimbwa was addressing the media on Sunday at the Mukono-based Christian university.

Another significant change is the introduction of ongoing internships throughout a student's university career, rather than a single two-month internship.

"One of the things we are evolving and changing is that internships at the university will no longer be for two months as before, but will be an ongoing process from the time the person joins the university up to when they leave the university," Kitayimbwa said.

Change with the times

The Dean of the School of Education at UCU, Dr Mary Ocheng Kagoire, said it is important to respond to the changing needs of the education system.

"As the changes are taking place in the education system, particularly competency-based, we felt that it is important that instead of conducting in-service training for teachers in the field, it's better by the time students leave the university, they are already competent enough to handle the competence-based curriculum," Kagoire said.

Church support

Church of Uganda's director of education, the Rev. Paul Kakooza, expressed support for the changes, noting that they align with the church's goals for education. UCU is under the Anglican Church.

"We appreciate these new changes, the new developments intended to improve the quality of teachers as they deliver in the new arrangement, the paradigm of the new curriculum. We want to produce students who are able to start life and do something."