ASSESSMENT OF TEACHERS’ IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM FOR EFFECTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1         Background to the Study

Social Studies Curriculum is an educational programme which embraces knowledge, values, skills, method, resources, evaluation and societal experiences offered to learners, in an effort to promote positive learning and acquisition of useful skills. The focus of Social Studies Curriculum is essentially man and the society with knowledge, values attitudes and skills for effective relationship, good citizenship and living Social Studies Curriculum offers the individual learner a rich preparation for life. This is because it incorporates all aspects of reforms and innovations in knowledge and skills expected of a people concerned with social, economic, political, scientific and technological progress.

As stated by Okam (2000), Social Studies Curriculum is keen about developing desirable socio-civic and personal behaviour of an individual. That is why it has its central task, the quest to help the young manage the physical and social forces of the world in which they live. It is such competencies that make it possible for learner to shape their lives accordingly. Considering the fact that, man is a complex organism, Social Studies deem it fit to develop suitable curriculum to take charge of all forms of behavioural act in man. Hence Social Studies is a vehicle for effective citizenship for the learner and the society.

Social Studies Curriculum is that aspect of education meant to help people learn how to get along with others in Nigeria and perhaps like other places, it has to do with the development of socio-civil and personal behaviour (Iyamu, 1998). These are expressive of the affective orientation of Social Studies in Nigeria Schools.

ASSESSMENT OF TEACHERS’ IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM FOR EFFECTIVE CITIZENSHIP IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA