Relevance of Social Studies Education in the Technical School Programme: A Survey of Kumasi Technical Institute in Ghana

Abstract

Social Studies, as an academic subject, was introduced into the school curriculum at the Junior and Senior Secondary levels to prepare students for responsible citizenship. In spite of this ambition, it was not taught in technical schools because their programmes were trade-oriented and little attention was given to liberal education. It was however introduced after the Anamuah-Mensah review. With this background, this study sought to ascertain the relevance of Social Studies Education in the technical schools’ programme in the quest to train socially-aware and competent citizens. Specifically, the study explored the relevance of its content in preparing good and effective citizens in technical schools and ways for improving the relevance of Social Studies Education in the technical schools’ programme. The study found that Social Studies Education helps students learn about societal values, interact with people and makes them aware of what is going on in the society. As a way of improving the quality and effectiveness of Social Studies at the technical schools, the study suggested increase in the teaching periods for Social Studies, improvements in the methods used in teaching Social Studies and the institution of regular in-service training programmes for Social Studies teachers.