The inclusion of Culture in the primary Second CycCe Curriculum :Materials: the Case of benisliangul gumuz Regional State

No Thumbnail Available

Date

2009-06

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to inve tigate the practices and challenges to include the local cultural values. rradition and skills in the upper primary education curriculum material of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State. To accomplish its purpose the study employed case study design one of the qualitative research traditions. The major data sources for the study were: curricular materials, regional curriculum experts, textbook writers/reviewers, woerda education officers, teachers and students. Seven curriculum experts, five textbook writers, five primary school teachers, two woreda education officials and two group of students from two elementary schools, each group having seven members were included in the ·tudy. All respondents of this study were purposefully included in the study. The data gathering instruments were interview, textual analysis and focus group discussion. The data obtained were described and interpreted qualitatively in light of the available literatures. The results of the study revealed that most of the informants held the view that cultural values, traditions and customs of the society, in which education to serve should be the source of the curriculum content. However, they have heterogeneous view on the type and scope of the cultural issues to be included in the curriculum materials. It was also found out that the majority of profeSSionals in charge of the curriculum development process lack adequate knowledge, skills, and commitment. Although, efforts have been made to incorporate local cultural issues in the curriculum materials allot is remain to make the materials relevant to the regional realities. Moreover, the attention paid to produce culturally responsive curriculum material by the concerned bodies was minimal.

Description

Keywords

primary Second CycCe Curriculum :Materials

Citation