An Evaluation of the Ghanaian Kindergarten’s Standard-Based Curriculum

Authors

  • Abu Adam University for Development Studies, Ghana
  • Soma Abdallah University for Development Studies, Ghana.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47941/jep.3451

Keywords:

Programme, Evaluation, Thematic Approach, Curriculum Kindergarten

Abstract

Purpose: This manuscript is an evaluation of the Ghanaian KG standard-based curriculum. It ascertains its ability to promote an integrated thematic approach to teaching and learning using Scriven’s Goal-free model of evaluation.

Methodology: A rapid approach to systematic review was used to gather relevant information and critically appraise the programme. Out of a total 31, 15 manuscripts were selected for an in-depth analysis. Ninety-six (96) teachers’ lessons were observed.

Findings: The evaluation reveals that thematic integrated curriculum is endorsed by many scholars as an efficient approach to teaching and learning in kindergarten education. The Ghanaian standard-based curriculum promotes intradisciplinary thematic integration demonstrated in Our-World-Our-People as a combination of multiple subject areas into one. Interdisciplinary thematic integration was not practiced by most teachers because the KG curriculum does not explicitly say how it is achieved in individual subjects. 

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended that teachers should see the themes outlined under other subjects as subject-specific knowledge and skills that their lessons should s and develop sub-themes from the seven (7) broad themes for the other subjects.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Abu Adam, University for Development Studies, Ghana

Department of Mathematics and ICT Education, Faculty of Education

Soma Abdallah, University for Development Studies, Ghana.

Deparment of Basic Education, Faculty of Education

References

Alghamdi, A. K. (2017). The effects of an integrated curriculum on student achievement in Saudi Arabia. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 13(9), 6079-6100.

Asante, G., Arhin, D., Essien, N., Bentil, S. and Asibey, G. (2024). Implementation of the Standard-Based Curriculum: An Overview of Pre-Tertiary Curriculum in Ghana (1951-2019). Open Access Library Journal, 11(e11), 1-25. http://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1111125

Bacon, K. (2018). Curriculum integration. Dublin: Marino Institute of Education.

Bhuttah, T. M., Xiaoduan, C., Ullah, H., & Javed, S. (2019). Analysis of curriculum development stages from the perspective of Tyler, Taba and Wheeler. European Journal of Social Sciences, 58(1), 14-22.

Clayton, M., Hagan, J., Ho, P. S., & Hudis, P. M. (2010). Designing Multidisciplinary Integrated Curriculum Units. Berkeley, CA: ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career.

Encarta Encyclopedia Dictionary. (2012). Definition of Curriculum. Chicago: Microsoft Corporation.

Ministry of Education. (2017). The National teacher education curriculum framework. Accra: Ministry of Education.

Ministry of Education. (2018). Early childhood education policy in Ghana: Indicator framework for Monitoring access, equity, quality and management in Ghana’s childhood education. Accra: MoE.

National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. (2019). Resource Pack as a complementary document to the training guide for in-service teachers on the implementation of the new kindergarten curriculum. Accra: Ministry of Education.

Nunn, J., & Chang, S. (2020). What are Systematic Reviews? WikiJournal of Medicine, 7(1), 1-16. doi:10.15347/wjm/2020.005

Okoro, C. O., & Okoro, C. U. (2016). Teachers' understanding and use of thematic approach in teaching and learning of social studies in River State. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 4(3), 64-69.

Stabback, P. (2011). What makes a quality curriculum? Geneva: UNESCO International Bureau of Education.

Singh, A. S., & Masuku, M. B. (2014). International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management SAMPLING TECHNIQUES & DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE SIZE IN APPLIED STATISTICS RESEARCH: AN OVERVIEW. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2(11), 1–22. https://doi.org/https://ijecm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/21131.pdf

Wall, A., & Leckie, A. (2017). Curriculum integration: An overview. Current Issues in Middle Level Education, 22(1), 36-40.

Youker, B. W. (2024). Scriven’s Goal-Free Evaluation. Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, 20(47), 28-31. https://jmde.journals.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/jmde_1/article/view/1005/805.

Youker, B. W., & Ingraham, A. (2014). Goal-Free Evaluation: An Orientation for Foundations’ Evaluations. The Foundation Review, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.9707/1944-5660.1182.

Zurqoni, et al. (2018). Impact of character education implementation: A goal-free evaluation. Problems of Education in the 21st Century, 6(76), 881-889. https://dx.doi.org/10.33225/pec/18.76.881

Downloads

Published

2026-01-18

How to Cite

Adam, A., & Abdallah, S. (2026). An Evaluation of the Ghanaian Kindergarten’s Standard-Based Curriculum . Journal of Education and Practice, 10(1), 27–43. https://doi.org/10.47941/jep.3451

Issue

Section

Articles