Implementation of Competence-based Curriculum in Rwanda: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Five years ago, Rwanda shifted from a knowledge-based to competence-based curriculum. The main purpose was to enable school graduates to cope with job-related demands and enable them to become problem solvers. From my knowledge however, no research was done to evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of this new curriculum in order to develop mitigation strategies. To fill this gap, the study being reported in this article was designed. Data were collected through focus group discussions, surveys and school visits. Results indicated the appreciation of the new curriculum. Major challenges included the lack of teaching and learning materials, laboratory equipment and chemical reagents. Teachers suggested collaboration between the government and other education stakeholders to overcome the identified challenges. They also suggested a continuous professional training for in-service teachers based on the subjects they teach, and on English since it is used as a medium of instructions.

Key words: Competence, critical thinking, high level of thinking, knowledge, skills, teacher