Integration of Cultural Elements in Selected Textbooks of Addis Ababa Primary School Curriculum
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2009-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa Universty
Abstract
This study is focused on integration of cultural elements in selected textbooks of
Addis Ababa second cycle primary school curriculum. The objective of the
research is to study the integration of the diverse cultures of the different ethnic
groups in selected textbooks of the second cycle primary schools of Addis
Ababa. To carry out this the objective was to analyze whether the selected
textbooks (of Social Studies, Civics and Ethical Education , Amharic, Physical
Education and Music) reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity. These textbooks
are purposefully selected. Content analysis is used as a main method by forming
four cultural categories such as Hero/Heroines, Material culture, songs and plays
and values separately for each of dominant and diverse ethnic groups. The data
collected through content analysis are also supplemented by survey data
gathered from teachers found in sample primary schools curriculum developers
in Addis Ababa and Education Bureau. The findings of the research show that
cultures of dominant ethnic groups most incorporated culture in the selected
textbooks of Addis Ababa second cycle primary schools. Cultures of diverse
ethnic groups are very insignificantly mentioned in the contents of Social Studies,
Amharic and Music textbooks. In Civics and Ethical education and Physical
education however better incorporation was observed but with little pages
devoted to diversity and multicultural concerns in Physical education. The study
also revealed that major diversity and multicultural issues are poorly
contextualized and inefficiently exploited. And , in the light of the research
findings recommendations were made.
Description
Keywords
Primary School Curriculum