Management of competency-based curriculum: secondary school student teachers’ experiences in Northern Uganda
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gitoya Centre for Academic Research and Dissemination (G-CARD)
Abstract
This study synthesized the experiences of student teachers deployed across selected secondary schools in Northern Uganda. Specifically, it examined the administrative support provided to student teachers and the challenges they encountered during the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, data was collected from 151 Bachelor of Science with Education student teachers through reflective journals and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis revealed variability in school-level support, including limited orientation, inconsistent mentorship, irregular professional development and weak instructional supervision. Findings indicate that insufficient administrative support exacerbates the challenges, limiting student teachers’ ability to apply learner-centered pedagogy, conduct continuous assessment and facilitate experiential learning. The study concludes that robust administrative structures, structured mentorship, sustained professional development, adequate resource provision and proactive community engagement are critical for ensuring fidelity in CBC implementation. These insights offer evidence-based guidance for policymakers, school leaders and teacher educators to strengthen school-level support and improve competency-oriented teaching and learning in resource-constrained contexts.
Description
This study's key contributions are: 1) identifying key supports for student teachers in Northern Uganda; 2) promoting learner-centered pedagogy and continuous assessment; 3) enhancing education quality and teacher capacity in resource-constrained settings. The findings reinforce SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by improving teaching, developing skilled human capital, and addressing educational disparities. The study also aligns with Uganda's National Development Plan IV, which prioritizes human capital, education quality, and skills for sustainable transformation.
Keywords
Competency-Based Curriculum, Instructional leadership, Curriculum management
Citation
Omara, P. (2026). Management of competency-based curriculum: secondary school student teachers’ experiences in Northern Uganda. East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences 7(1), 12-24.