University bosses differ with TSC over teacher training
University bosses fault the teacher service commission for ‘overstepping’ their mandate. VCs have decried the involvement of TSC in teacher training.
The concerns came up during the annual conference for public universities management in Mombasa.
The conference’s programme coordinator Ndirangu Kioni, cited interference by the state agency in his speech.
“TSC have tried to dictate how the teaching of education courses in the university should be done; thus curtailing education freedom,” Kioni said.
Kioni noted that the current teacher training requirements should be sustained.
“TSC should not interfere in the training of teachers at the universities,” Kioni said.
University administrators called for harmonisation of curricula for teacher training across institutions in the country.
“A task force should be put in place to streamline teacher training in education. Universities should also be part of the CBC Review Team,” he said.
However, according to a source from TSC who sought anonymity, the mandate of the agency in training is to review the standards. They only advise.
The source added that being the teachers’ employer they have to give their two cents on teachers’ qualifications.
University bosses called for upgrading of the institution’s academic staff.
Kioni said most lecturers serving in public universities are not able to match up to the standards.
“Universities inherited staff from the TSC, but most of these staff are unable to teach degree programmes.
Prospective trainees must now have a mean grade of C (plain) in the KCSE with a C (plain) score in Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, one science, and one humanity subject.
The new entry grade was occasioned by the demands of the Competency-Based Curriculum.
Applicants for a Diploma in Primary Teacher Education should have a KCSE exam mean grade of C (plain) or it’s equivalent with a C (plain) in English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, and also a C (plain) in any of the humanities and science subjects.
