THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETENCY-BASED CURRICULUM PROMOTED STUDENTS’ SELF-DISCOVERY IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT-AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA. A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY.

Abstract

Background This study aims to establish the influence of a competency-based curriculum on students’ self-discovery in selected government-aided secondary schools of Wakiso District, Uganda. Methodology The study applied descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data was collected randomly from 10 head teachers, 30 class teachers, and 120 students using both self-administered questionnaires and key informant interview guides. Results Both class teacher and student respondents agreed that a competency-based curriculum has highly promoted students’ competency in self-discovery in selected government-aided secondary schools of Wakiso District, Uganda. According to the class teachers, CBC students discover personal abilities, realize their life interests, discover their sports talents, and know their career choices after school. This is also supported by the responses given by the students who believe that the CBC program helps students discover their abilities, realize their life interests, or want to achieve in life, discover their sporting talents, and make their future career choices. Findings show that there is a high positive linear relationship between competency-based curriculum and students’ competency in self-discovery in selected government-aided secondary schools of Wakiso District, Uganda at a correlational coefficient r=0.740**, P value 0.000<0.01). About government-aided secondary schools in Wakiso District, the results mean that, when CBC improves, students’ competency level in terms of self-discovery improves as well Conclusion Based on the study findings, it was concluded that a competency-based curriculum highly promotes students’ competency in self-discovery in selected government-aided secondary schools of Wakiso District, Uganda. Recommendation Since the CBC promotes students’ self-discovery, innovativeness, and practicability government should ensure that all necessary facilities in terms of sporting equipment, Science laboratories, and computer labs are available in each school and are not only available but are well equipped with requirements including books, reagents, and other facilities.