Constructivism in Teaching and Learning within the Competency-based Curriculum at Secondary Schools.

This was a Professional Development Hour session focused on constructivism in teaching and learning within the competency-based curriculum at secondary schools. Mr. Mulumba Mutema Mathias, a senior advisor on competency-based curriculum, presented on how constructivism emphasizes that learners construct their own knowledge through experiencing, reflecting, and working with others. The presentation included interactive activities using letters to form words, discussions about materials and their properties, and practical examples showing how learning progresses from simple to complex concepts. Mr. Mulumba demonstrated how teachers can use constructivism by starting with familiar knowledge (like cake layers to teach about Earth’s atmosphere layers), allowing different learning styles, and using project-based learning approaches. The session concluded with a discussion of key principles including learners bringing prior knowledge, social interaction processes, and the role of teachers in scaffolding learning while empowering students to take ownership of their learning.