The Curriculum In An African Context

Abstract

The curriculum assumes a critical element in the transformation of education, and we argue for the establishment of an African identity in educational curricula. We ask: ‘What meanings of the curriculum are pertinent to an African discourse’? In other words, what is the nature of the curriculum and its point or purpose, its value or worth? Also, how is the curriculum conceptualised, demarcated, structured and regulated? Any discussion or critical reflection on the curriculum, even one concerned with the construction of a curriculum in an African context, requires some understanding of the curriculum in educational discourse. We focus on a reconstruction of the curriculum which aims to give indigenous African knowledge systems their rightful place as equally valid ways of knowing among the array of knowledge systems in the world so as to solve global and local problems more effectively. Finally, we argue for a curriculum that leads to the empowerment of students; framed according to seven pillars of wisdom.

Keywords: Curriculum, transformation, Africanisation, education.