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A SURVEY OF PROBLEM AFFECTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

To examine the problems affecting the implementation of Social Studies curriculum in some selected Junior Secondary Schools in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

This chapter is arranged under sub-sections as given below.

Background to the Study, Statement of the Problem, Purpose of the Study, Significance of the Study, Research Question, Delimitation, Limitation of the Study and Definition of Terms.

The word Social Studies as a subject in Nigerian School curriculum came into being 1969. Before then, an objective study of the Nigeria social norms and values in schools was introduces (Nigeria Education Research Council N.E.F.C. 1969).

The first experience on Social Studies in Nigeria came as a result of a joint venture between the defund Western Regional Government and University of Ohio U.S.A. in 1988.

But the introduction did not last long. However, in 1963 Social Studies education programme was officially introduced into Nigeria schools (Olawapo 1991).

In Lagos State Schools, it is discovered that teaching of the subject did not commence simultaneously in all the Junior Secondary School. Largely due to the period that some of the schools were founded.

In Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State most of the schools were founded in the 80’s and introduction of this subject into this school has remained a success till date. The diffusion of Social Studies into the school curriculum came through the search for redirection in Nigeria of the inherited colonial education system top meet the growing needs of the country.

Thus, the national policy on education declared that the Nigeria philosophy on education is based in the interaction of effective citizenship. However, in the objective of Social Studies which is to socialize and humanize the individual in order to live effectively and in harmony with other and develop in children a positive attitude to citizenship and desire in them to make a positive personal contribution to their community and creation of a United Nigeria.

In Nigeria schools, the problems that is affecting the implementation of Social Studies curriculum in Junior Secondary Schools are numerous such as time given on the timetable for Social Studies student is not enough, instructional materials are nor available. Moreso, there is no enough library to supplement teachers effort.

It was in this context that the contribution of Social Studies teacher is crucial because it is through that the laudable and valuable objectives of Social Studies could be inculcated into our students.

This research study therefore sets out to identify some of the various problems facing the Social Studies teachers and their student in Junior Secondary Schools in the implementation for their Social Studies curriculum. And to suggest possible solution to some of the identified problems in order to bring about effective teaching and implementation of the Social Studies curriculum in our Junior Secondary Schools.

1.2   STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Taking a critical look at the Social Studies curriculum used in most of our Junior Secondary School. It has been observed that the subject is bound to have its own problem. Just like any other subject. However, as one knows that the problems may be many, but this study will only look at the problems encounted by teachers and students in the effective implementation of Social Studies curriculum in some elected Junior Secondary Schools in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

1.3   PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Social Studies as a discipline, if properly programmed and effective taught in schools would help in solving many serious and crucial social problems that are facing all developing countries and Nigeria in particular where the old norms are fast loosing their grip and no effective substituted to replace them. And Nigeria should be free, just and democratic society, a land that is full of opportunities for all its citizens.

This subject as valuable as it is needs to be adequately taken care of.

Therefore, this study takes a serious look at the problems militating against the effective implementation of Social Studies curriculum in Junior Secondary Schools.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This project tends to look at the implementation militating the effective implementation of the Social Studies curriculum. Therefore, the finding of this study will be useful for teachers, student and authors who is able to understand the problems in the implementation of the subject.

1.5   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study will be carried out, but not without same problems. Due to some financial constraints and inability to meet up with the time, this study shall be limited to Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

1.6   DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study will be centred on Social Studies and problems in implementation of the curriculum by teachers in some selected Junior Secondary School in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. The schools used in the study are:

1.                    Alimosho Grammar School

2.                    State High School Alimosho

3.                    Abesan High School Alimosho

4.                    Girls High School Alimosho

1.7RESEARCH QUESTION

In the case of this project, the following question will be analysed.

¨                    Is Social Studies given enough time on the school time table?

¨                    Is Social Studies curriculum clear to Social Studies teachers?

¨                    Is Social Studies period used for other activities?

¨                    Does the content of the curriculum will be understood by the teachers?

¨                    Are there sufficient motivating factor inform of textbooks, functional library and other instructional materials that can easily help in teaching of the subject?

1.8DEFINITION OF TERMS

In this research work, there are some terms used, which need to be defined, to bring about better understanding of this work.

Crucial:      Extremely important because it will affect other things.

Curriculum:        Is seen as a general overall plan of the content of specific material of instruction that the school offer the students by way of qualifying him/her for graduation or condition for entrance into profession or vocational field.

Diffusion:   Spread over a wide area.

Effective:    Producing the result that is wanted or intended.

Implementation:  In this work, implementation is seen as completion of specific work for instruction meant for a particular period of time.

Problem:    The word problem is seen as anything that disturb and inhibits progress which require solution.

Supplement: A thing that is added to some thing else to improve or complete.

Social Studies: Has be defined by many expert (Banks, Engle and Messiahs) (1976) as a synthesis of Social Science for decision making.

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