Expert calls for curriculum review to improve learning outcomes

To improve learning outcome in schools, Principal Consultant and Chief Executive Officer, Leading Learning Limited, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, has advocated a review of the school curricula to be technology-based and in line with current trends in the industry to enable learners compete favourably with their peers in other climes.

Speaking at the 2017 national congress of the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) in Lagos, Adefisayo said this has become imperative, as the current curriculum does not prepare a child for the future.

She argued that teaching and learning in the 21st century should provide technological knowledge to learners and continuously produce students with high added value.Presently, Adefisayo noted that teaching and learning methodology is based only on theory at the detriment of practical knowledge and experience, thereby lowering standard and learning outcomes in schools.

She stressed that since the school environment requires people who are flexible, “students should be taught how to use technology, think critically, solve problems, be creative and original, as well as learn how to use their skills to address societal issues and challenges.”

Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Low Fees Institutions in the Pursuit of 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Education Target,” the President of AFED- an umbrella body of low-income schools in Nigeria, Mrs. Ifejola Esther Dada, assured that the group is working in accordance with the government’s regulations to contribute its quota in achieving the 2030 agenda on education.

Dada, represented by the Vice President, AFED, Mr. Michael Adeyemo, said they would continually strive to improve standard and apply technology for effective teaching and learning among their member schools.

Team Leader, Developing Effective Private Education in Nigeria (DEEPEN), a five-year United Kingdom sponsored project, Dr. Gboyega Ilusanya, urged AFED school managers to crave for individual and institutional improvement, to boost quality in their schools. He also urged them to use technological aids in their teaching and learning for better result.

He said though Lagos State government has resolved not to close down low-income schools to accommodate children from the lower class, they should continually strive to meet standard and improve learning outcomes.