Challenges of Implementing Kindergarten Curriculum in Addis Ababa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Kindergarten education helps children to be confident, eager and enthusiastic learners,
who are looking forward to start school and success in life. Preschool education laid a firm
foundation for children to develop fully in all aspect as competent and responsible
citizens. As a result, the issue was so considered in education and training policy of
Ethiopia to address the needs of preschool children. In Addis Ababa the curriculum has
been adopted and served as foundation to guide basic issues that preschool education
should address in the region. The main objective of this study was; therefore, to
investigate the challenges of implementing kindergarten curriculum in Addis Ababa. To
conduct this study descriptive survey method was employed. Kindergartens were selected
on the basis of sponsorships using stratified sampling. Thus, twelve kindergartens were
used as data sources selected using simple random method from each strata. Accordingly,
the data sources were kindergartens teachers, parents, directors, sub city kindergarten
expertise and Addis Ababa Early Years Care and Education expertise. Then the data was
collected through questionnaires, observations, interviews and document analysis. The
data collected through questionnaires from the teachers and parents were presented in
tables for each case, and analyzed using percentage followed by relevant discussions.
Besides, qualitative data obtained through observations using checklists and interview
guides were used to supplement and explain qualitative data whenever necessary. The
study found out that the extent of curriculum implementation was low; classrooms and
outdoor spaces, materials and equipment, were limited; teachers were lack of professional
skills to teach young children, parents knowledge about the objective of kindergarten
education is low; and government support services were very minimal and limited in
government kindergartens. Finally, the study recommended some better ways and means
for resolving the challenges of implementing the curriculum in Addis Ababa.
Description
Keywords
Kindergarten Curriculum