The Promise of Integrated English Curriculum: Principals’ and Teachers’ Reactions and Reflections
Loading...
Date
2015
Authors
Magoma, Charles M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The current Kenyan secondary English curriculum (2002) has adopted an integrated approach not only to teaching, but also to the assessment of English language and Literature. This re-organisation is meant to improve the standards of teaching and performance in English. However, national performance in integrated English has remained consistently below average, contrary to expectations. This paper is based on a research that was conducted in Nairobi. The study combined quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and collected data by means of a questionnaire, interviews and observation. Data was collected from 101 teachers of integrated English and 20 principals. Further, the heads of English at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, Directorate of Quality Assurance and Standards and Kenya National Examinations Council were interviewed. Raw data collected from questionnaires, interview and observation schedules was organised into significant patterns so as to easily interpret and understand the essence of the data. The study revealed that despite the promise of the re-organised English curriculum, teachers were teaching the integrated English curriculum without proper understanding of the methodology involved. Consequently, they faced difficulties and resorted to teaching English language and Literature as two separate subjects. The study concluded that there has been no effective implementation of integrated English curriculum in Nairobi North Sub-county as was/is intended by the curriculum developers. The study recommends that continuing professional support be given to teachers of integrated English curriculum in the form of in-service training and other forms of support for the promise to deliver.
Description
This paper was presented at the International Conference on
‘Re-Engineering Education for Sustainable Development’ held on
18th – 20th May 2015 at Kenyatta University Conference Centre (KUCC) Nairobi, Kenya
Keywords
Curriculum, Integration, Integrated Approach, Integrated Curriculum, Integrated English Curriculum, Curriculum Implementation, Teacher Reflections
Citation
International Conference on ‘Re-Engineering Education for Sustainable Development’ 18th – 20th May 2015