THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIMARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM PACKAGE FOR THE NOMADIC PASTORAL FULBE IN NIGERIA
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PRIMARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM PACKAGE FOR THE NOMADIC PASTORAL FULBE IN NIGERIA
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1991-01
Authors
GHADJHAAM, VON ARDO
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
With the aid of a synthetic research methodology
the study was set out to develop a culturally relevant
primary science curriculum for the nomadic pastoral
Fulbe.
After an ethnographic study was carried out a
cognitive preference test called Science Cognitive
Preference Test Before Treatment (SCPTBT) was designed
to map out the science cognitive preferences of the
nomadic pastoral Fulbe children. Mundane Scenarios which
are familiar to the child in the environment were used
to form the contents of the SCPTBT. This test was used
to achieve two objectives: (1) to test the homogeneity
of the group and (,2) to use the cognitive preferences as a
guide to the process of curriculum development. After
the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the preferences of
practical Application and Critical Questioning were found
to be dominant. The least preferred preference was Recall
of Facts. These dominant preferences were thought to be
desirable in the learning of science, particularly in the
present dispensation of the developing nations.
Consequently, they were reinforced in the new Curriculum.
The selected instructional materials and the cultural
method of teaching earmarked from the ethnographic study
were combined with the discovered learner-characteristics
of cognitive preference to design and develop a new and
culturally relevant curriculum referred to in this
study as 'TSTP Curriculum' (Teaching Science Through
Pulaaku). The curriculum was designed on the five seasons
of the nomadic pastoral Fulbe Calendar. The themes
from the national syllabus were chosen in accordance
with the activities prominent in each of the seasons.
The entire framework of the curriculum was built on a
traditional story telling strategy of teaching. The main
characters are two little girls TUMBA and her sister
GENO.
Through experimentation, the 'TSTP' curriculum was
compared with the curricular materials already in use through
out the country. These curricular materials are referred
to in this study as- 'TSTM' (Teaching Science Through
Traditional Method).
Another cognitive preference test referred to as
Science Cognitive Preference Test After Treatment (SCPTAT)
was administered to the two groups. After the analysis
of variance (ANOVA), the TSTP group scored significantly
higher mean scores in the Practical Application and
Critical questioning scales whereas, the'TSTM' group
scored significantly higher means in the Recall scale.
There was no significant difference between the two groups
in the scale of Fundamental Principles.
A test, Primary Science Achievement Test (PSAT) was
developed and the two groups were accordingly tested. After
the test analysis, it was found out that the TSTP group
performed significantly better in seven out of ten
tests. Their mean scores were also higher in nine
out of ten tests. From the results obtained in the
study, similar approach to curriculum development and
renewals in other subjects was recommended
Description
THIS THESIS SUBMITTED BY
GHADJHAAM VON ARDO
IS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY OF THE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA,
NIGERIA.
JANUARY, 1991
Keywords
DEVELOPMENT,, PRIMARY SCIENCE,, CURRICULUM PACKAGE,, NOMADIC,, PASTORAL FULBE,, NIGERIA