The imperativeness of culture in upper basic education social studies curriculum development in Nigerian schools

Abstract

This paper sought to x-ray the role of culture in Upper Basic Education Social Studies curriculum development in Nigerian schools. The objectives of the research were; to explain the concepts of culture, Social Studies, Curriculum and Curriculum development; the objectives of Social Studies; the components of culture; cultural determinants of social studies curriculum content in Nigerian schools as well as to examine the factors influencing social studies curriculum development which include the learner, the teacher, the society (culture), philosophy of education and psychology of learning. However, the paper revealed that curriculum is the planned skills, attitudes, values and knowledge offered by the learner with an explicit goal of changing his behavior in order to become a functional and active member of the society. It also indicated that a well-coordinated and planned curriculum must be a true reflection of the society's culture where it is expected to function. The paper further revealed that the process of planning and developing a Social Studies curriculum is a strenuous journey for any society and requires a whole-system approach before it can be completed.