The Practice and Challenges of the Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum in Higher Education Institutions of Ethiopia

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to examine the implementation of competency-based curriculum in higher education institutions of Ethiopia. A concurrent embedded mixed research design was employed to conduct the study. Data were collected from 279 instructors and 384 regular undergraduate students selected using stratified random sampling method for the questionnaire. A total of 12 deans and department heads were selected using purposive sampling technique for an interview. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and T- test. The result of the study shows that the competency based curriculum implemented in higher education institutions of Ethiopia was fairly implemented. This was due to lack of well-organized curriculum, instructors’ readiness and conducive institutional environment to implement competency based curriculum. Among the challenges that hinder the effective curriculum implementation lack of resources, lack of students’ motivation and weak university industry linkage was ranked as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. To sum, the implementation of the competency-based curriculum in Ethiopian higher education institutions faced significant challenges. Finally, an attempt was made to suggest some recommendations related to revision of the curriculum, instructors professional development, creating conducive institutional environment and as well as the need for establishing strong university-industry linkages.