CBC #2 - The Three Mindsets of CBC

Kenya's new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) teaches three mindsets:

1. Self-Learning
2. Self-Efficacy
3. Digital Literacy

Why Are The Three Mindsets Important?

These mindsets are fundamental for students to thrive in a changing, digital world. The early years of one's life shape the way we see and interact with the world. Changing one's mindset becomes very difficult after a certain age. That is why it is so important for students to adopt the necessary mindsets early in their education.

Self-learning, or learning to learn, gives students the curiosity needed to adapt in a changing world. Self-efficacy gives students a drive to overcome the challenges they face, not only for today's challenges, but for whatever challenges develop in the future. Digital literacy gives them the tools to achieve anything. They can learn new skills through online videos, find detailed technical information through an online encyclopedia, or seek out the advice of experts in a challenging field.

1. Self-Learning

We are curious and seek to learn everyday.

The previous system of education in Kenya focused on memorizing a fixed set of information. The outcome was that students were taught that success followed cramming. But in real life, cramming isn't very useful. Adapting to challenges, improving techniques and learning the basics of a new field are the keys to success.

The new CBC system will create students who are able to learn new skills after graduation. Students will be able to adapt to new challenges, improve themselves and pick up the skills of whatever new opportunity becomes available.

2. Self-Efficacy

We have the confidence to do difficult things.

In the past, students were given a handful of fateful exams. Either you passed, or you failed. And the results would largely determine your success in life. The outcome was that students were taught that failure was final, and trying anything was an existential risk. In real life, failure is a normal first step, and trying something new is safe and healthy.

That's why competency based curriculum teaches a mindset of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy means having the confidence to do difficult things, and to affect change in your environment. Students will believe they can achieve even the most difficult tasks, because that it the real truth. Given the right mindset and enough time, students can create a better future.

3. Digital Literacy

We use digital devices to create and access information.

Computers and the internet have changed how the world learns, does business and governs. Every part of our lives is affected by technology, for better or worse. The previous education system did not prepare students for digital life, and as a consequence many graduates do not take advantage of digital tools.

Under CBC, students will learn digital literacy starting in their lower primary years. They will be able to leverage 21st century tools in whatever career they pursue.

Why TechLit Africa Teaches The Three Mindsets

TechLit Africa's mission is to teach digital skills to unlock global opportunities for students in rural Africa. In rural Kenya, there are more opportunities available online than there are anywhere locally. The three mindsets of CBC are fundamental for students to take advantage of the very opportunities that TechLit was started to unlock.

1. Self-learning is necessary for anyone to work a tech job, and will be required for anyone in a field disrupted by technology. Students that can teach themselves new skills and refine the skills they already have will thrive in the digital world.
2. Self-efficacy is one of the three pillars of our curriculum. We believe that it is more necessary when working online and with computers, because the culture of the internet has more variety and is more malleable than culture in real life, and because computers themselves can be shaped to fit our needs. Self-efficacy enables students to confidently control their world.
3. Digital literacy is the very idea that TechLit is founded on. Technologically Literate Africa was founded to disrupt poverty in rural Africa with the unbelievable leverage that you gain from technology. Students who know how to type, search and code will be the true masters of the future.