The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) have criticised the Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALA) review exercise saying the process is flawed and will not produce positive outcomes.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is in the process of reviewing CALA which is part of the new curriculum introduced in 2015.
The CALA curriculum has been heavily criticised by students, parents and teachers for being a challenge as no training was done prior to its introduction.
In a statement, ARTUZ Secretary for Education and Research, Gerald Tavengwa said the reviews were hurried.
“The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ, notes that the methodology of the current curriculum review is flawed and will produce a defective outcome. We have noted the following fatal flaws; Short notice/ Hurried process. Teachers were made aware on a day’s notice. Expected to travel from holiday at short notice,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Edgar Moyo told parliament this week that the review exercise will commence on 16 May.
Tavengwa said the data collection methods to be used will not be helpful.
“Critical questions like quantity of Continuous Assessment Learning Activities, CALA are not addressed. Also, no room to discuss other issues like quantity of assessment methods e.g Projects. Ministry prepared their own questions from which they expect their own answers. No discussion on format and other pertinent issues to be addressed,” he said.
He added that the whole exercise is for the ministry to use stakeholders to rubber-stamp their own product.
“There was a lack of awareness campaigns, not many stakeholders are aware. Most key stakeholders were not or are still not aware of the ongoing process,” said Tavengwa.
He said the teachers are expected to carry out interviews without compensation or incentives.
“Whilst the manual attempts to explain how the national consultations will be done, key areas like how electronic interviews will be carried out. During training emphasis was only on interviews.”
Tavengwa added that teachers are to translate the questions to the stakeholders on their own hence this might lead to inconsistencies.
“ARTUZ calls for the revision of the process so that Zimbabwe produces a Curriculum compatible with both our education needs and resources at our disposal,” he said.
