Arts education for enhancing holistic child development in resource-challenged pre-primary schools in the Kunene region
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Date
2020
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Arts education has been acknowledged as a subject that enhances holistic child
development as it helps children to develop creative problem-solving skills, motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking and creativity. However, a lack of resources, particularly in pre-primary mobile schools may constrain the effective teaching and learning of arts. This study aimed at investigating both the challenges that pre-primary teachers experience in teaching arts education in resource-challenged, mobile schools in Kunene region as well as ways in which to enhance the prevailing practice of teaching and learning. The study employed a qualitative approach, using a collective/multiple, and unique case study research design. A total number of six preprimary, mobile government schools three from Epupa and three from the Opuwo circuit were selected as the sample for the study. Interviews and observation were used to collect the requisite data while a purposive sampling technique was used to select the interview participants. The study found that, in order to ensure the holistic development of a child, it is essential that all the various types of arts, namely, music, dance, visual arts and drama, are taught effectively through the levels of Bloom taxonomy and effective teaching methods. However, the study discovered the following challenges; inadequate teaching and learning resources, teacher factors, socio-economic factors and financial constraints. Finally, the study also found that the teaching of arts may be enhanced through the use of a variety of creative arts activities using local materials found in the environment that may be used to supplement any lack of the resources needed. The findings include, training workshops, support from the regional office and other stakeholders as well as the appointment of advisory teachers for non-promotional subjects such as arts education.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Studies)
Keywords
Child development