The nature of the content of Biology syllabus in Kenya

The nature of the content of the current secondary school biology syllabus.

Introduction

 The 8.4.4 Biology syllabus was launched in 1986 and became operational immediately. The current 8.4.4 Biology syllabus was revised in 2003.
The content of the current biology syllabus has the following features;

  1. It is organized using linear approach

This is where the teacher ensure that the learner have gotten the content of the previous topic before proceeding to the next topic. In linear approach, the sequence of learning events is determined by the instructional designer rather than the learner. The content of the current Biology syllabus in Kenya is designed by the Kenya Institute of curriculum Development, using the linear approach.

2. It includes A-levels aspects of; genetics, physiological proceses, taxonomy, chemicals of life and ecology

 However the syllabus does not include a detailed analysis of the same topics. The topics were included to give learners the basic knowledge. Therefore, the other parts of the topics which required high cognitive demand were excluded. For example, the topic, ‘Classification’ excluded other phylum and only retained the phylum chordate and the arthropoda.

 3. The methods of content delivery used includes; discovery, inquiry, and problem solving approaches

 These approaches encourage an attitude of scientific inquiry, curiosity, the self discovery in an individual, through individual study and personal initiative, team work and class directed work.

4. The content emphasizes on the acquisition of simple science process skills such as observation, measurement and drawing

The content contains various practical that students perform in the course of their study hence acquiring those scientific skills.

5. The content is modified to suit the needs of the Kenyan society.

One goal of Biology teaching is to develop in the learner the scientific skill needed for solving problems in the society. Biological topics such as Ecology, helps learners to acquire knowledge on how to overcome most environmental problems such as deforestation and pollution.

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