Improving the TVET Curriculum as a Strategy for Better Performance

  • Hillary Kirior Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, Eldoret
Keywords: Improved performance, strategies, TVET, TVET curriculum

Abstract

Every nation requires a steady growth of the economy for efficient productivity. This can be achieved by equipping the labor-force with the necessary skills, attitudes and knowledge so that they can be effective at their place of work. Competence- based learning has been seen as the best approach to equip the labor-force to match the demands of the job market. It has been endorsed that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is the best system of education that can equip the general public with the necessary capabilities. For this reason, several countries have implemented the TVET curriculum as an absolute instrument to attain national development. In the last few years, the Kenyan education system launched ambitious and comprehensive reforms on the primary and secondary education with the aim of increasing quality and expanding opportunities in post-secondary education. However, TVET curriculum has lagged leaving behind several learners who cannot join university education without adequate skills to join labor market and build the nation. The TVET curriculum has been seen as one that offers no guidance to learning that is necessary for both the participants and the trainers. It seldom involves various stakeholders and individuals who will benefit or even have something to contribute to training. It is evident that most of the institutions still teach Euro-centric contents with learning materials imported from European countries and little is taught about Africa. Hitherto, if the philosophy of TVET has to be realized, its curriculum should be understood by the locals, attuned by their ambitions, accustomed to the natural environment and within the disposal of their culture. It is the right time therefore for the locals to take appropriate initiatives and develop their curriculum which is relevant to their social and economic needs; A curriculum that enhances training opportunities to increase access and equity, one that accommodates soft skills and link TVET Institutions with the demands of the Industries. It is therefore recommended that the government should encourage all industrial organizations to take part in designing TVET curriculum as well as provide in-service and on-job- training programmes in those institutions.

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Published
2017-10-01
How to Cite
Kirior, H. (2017). Improving the TVET Curriculum as a Strategy for Better Performance. Africa Journal of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, 2(1), 22-30. Retrieved from https://afritvetjournal.org/index.php/Afritvet/article/view/32