Children Television Program for Early Childhood Development: The Case of “Akukulu” on Etv
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Date
2021-03
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AAU
Abstract
The research aimed to assess how the contents of ETV children Amharic television program named „Akukulu‟ was being used as a tool in early childhood development in Ethiopia. The research used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. Quantitative content analysis was used to examine the contents of program. Hence the contents of 22 programs from September 2018 up to February 2019 were analyzed. The programs were analyzed for clarity of language, consideration of child development, inclusiveness of urban and rural children, participation of children, significance in increasing children vocabulary, teaching ethics and moral and presented role models. Coding sheet was used so as to quantify the quantitative data of the content. In addition to that individual interviews with 6 program producers and editors were also conducted. The interview questions focused on cognitive skills, making sense of the world, learning behaviors, bringing confident and healthy child, developing a feeling of self-esteem, and developing a sense of pride. In addition to that each of 11 parents who are selected with snow ball sampling were watched two programs. After watching the programs, they had a focus group discussion with the selected questions. 22 children who were also selected with snowball sampling watched one television program. The researcher had interview with few questions. The finding of the study showed that 97.87 percent of the contents of the programs have language clarity. It helped the children to comprehend the contents easily. The programs were also considered the children cognitive and psychosocial stages of development. It also gave fair chance for both male and female children. The programs were more of educational and entertaining than being informative. The other finding of the research is that 92.55 percent of “Akukulu” programs were significant so as to increase vocabulary of children. All program contents helped to teach moral and ethics. It also helped to teach children that they should respect their family members, friends, and teachers. The study shows that 95.74 percent of the programs were functional in the life of children. The program helped children to realize that they can do things by their own. It encourages children to wear their clothes and shoes by themselves. The programs also have promoted the establishment of social interaction. On the contrary the program had limitation in presenting different programs which helps to develop intellectual skills. The attention given to present positive role model for children was very low. The finding of the study shows that the program didn‟t cover all regions fairly. Much attention was given to children in urban areas, especially Addis Ababa. The program also has limitation in creating national pride and self-respect. Hence, looking through these results, it is possible to say that ETV Amharic children program named „Akukulu‟ was trying to bring childhood development in urban areas of the country. But more effort is needed so as to bring language, behavior, psychology and emotional development in Ethiopian children.
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ETV Amharic children program named „Akukulu‟ was trying to bring childhood development in urban areas of the country