Reconstructionist Analysis on the Relevance of Secondary School Curriculum Content In Promoting National Cohesion among Students in Machakos Town Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Education is the primary means of promoting national cohesion, international cooperation as well as socio-economic development. Through school curricula, education enables a country to achieve its needs and aspirations. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has emphasized the importance of education in promoting cohesion and integration among Kenyan communities. However, the country is faced with ethnic divisions, religious intolerance and violence and this raises concerns on relevance of the school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. This study investigated the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion. The study was based on the ideals and principles of a school curriculum as advocated by re-constructionism philosophy. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 409 respondents comprising of 360 student leaders, 48 teachers and Sub-County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer was used. Purposive sampling was adopted to select the respondents. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used in data collection. Validity of research instrument was ascertained by experts in Faculty of Education and Resources Development. Reliability of instruments was estimated using Cronbach coefficient alpha method and the coefficients obtained were 0.78 and 0.81 for teachers and student leaders’ questionnaire, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Secondary school curricula content gave the students little opportunity to reflect critically on issues affecting national cohesion which is attributed to lack of practical skills on issues related to national cohesion. The study recommends a review of secondary school curricula content to reflect on emerging issues on national cohesion and integration. This study provides critical information to educational stakeholders on the relevance of secondary school curricula content in promoting national cohesion.