Challenges and Opportunities in Curriculum Monitoring and Evaluation During Covid-19 Pandemic in Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal number four envisions provision of quality education and training. Curriculum monitoring and evaluation is a vital exercise that undergirds and guides delivery of quality education. However, the COVID-19 pandemic posed diverse challenges, while presenting unique opportunities in curriculum monitoring and evaluation. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges in curriculum monitoring and evaluation in Kenya during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it addresses the necessity for curriculum monitoring and evaluation for education quality, discusses the challenges in monitoring and evaluation of the curriculum process during COVID19 pandemic, and finally examines the opportunities availed in curriculum monitoring and evaluation. This being a theoretical study, the methodology used included review and synthesis of secondary data materials. The authors find that the challenges caused by COVID-19 included disruption of internal assessments, inequalities in learner assessment, postponement of national examinations, interruption of talent assessment from co-curricular activities, and inability of external monitoring officials to visit schools for monitoring exercise. The opportunities presented through COVID-19 pandemic included embracing use of digital platforms in evaluation, opportunity to address inequalities in access to education, and opportunity for investment in ICT. The paper gives recommendations with a view to develop resilience, as well as enhance efficiency in educational strategies by addressing the challenges and leveraging on opportunities.