KNEC Exam Center Policy Sparks Parental Anxiety, Students’ Readiness at Risk.
Thousands of students preparing for the upcoming national examinations next week under the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) are facing uncertain times due to a directive from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
In a recent announcement, KNEC instructed that schools with fewer than 30 candidates would not be allowed to serve as examination centers. These students will have to transfer to other schools with larger populations to sit for their exams. ‘
Parents and education stakeholders expressed concerns that this directive would disrupt preparations and cause unnecessary anxiety for students who may struggle to adjust to unfamiliar environments.
A teacher at a private school explained that students in schools with fewer than 30 candidates, such as those with only 21 students, would be required to take their exams at public schools.
The teacher pointed out that this shift could expose students to culture shock, as they are accustomed to the familiar and conducive environment of their own schools.
Limited Awareness and Resource Challenges
Stakeholders also pointed out that there was insufficient awareness about the directive. A school head, Lilian Akugo, noted that many public schools are now struggling with a shortage of staff to oversee the CBC exams.
In addition, some of the required tests will involve modern technologies like computers, putting students from marginalized areas or schools lacking technological infrastructure at a disadvantage.
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Parents, like Geoffrey Otieno, expressed frustration with the lack of resources needed to implement the CBC effectively.
While the curriculum’s content is available, Otieno highlighted the challenge parents face in providing the necessary tools, especially for subjects that require extensive research or access to computerized resources.
Concerns Over Exam Format
Another area of concern raised by stakeholders was the format of the questions in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
It was revealed that the learners would be required to answer multiple-choice questions using A, B, C, or D responses. This format differs from the open-ended questions that students have been trained to answer under CBC, where they can express their thoughts in writing.
A teacher, Collins Okumu, suggested that introducing the multiple-choice format in grade four might help avoid the confusion currently being experienced by learners.
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The sudden shift to a more rigid question structure is seen as problematic for students who are used to a more flexible, open-ended approach.
The KPSEA exams will begin with rehearsals on Friday, October 25th, and the main examinations will be conducted from Monday, October 28th to Wednesday, October 30th this year.
KNEC Exam Center Policy Sparks Parental Anxiety, Students’ Readiness at Risk.
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