Stakeholder’s perception of the social studies curriculum in senior high schools within the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

This current study acknowledges efforts made by experts and educators in the field of Social Studies to find out the reasons behind why the subject has been marginalized over the years. These experts have made recommendations over the years, which highlights the need for stakeholders support for the subject if it is to achieve its goals and objects. Gaps were identified in the attempts made over the years by experts in the field. Empirical literature revealed that, most studies conducted in the past mostly used teachers and students as their main participants in conducting their study. In bridging some of these gaps, this study added different strands of stakeholders, which included Headmasters, Parents and Social Studies teachers as participants of the study to explore the perception of stakeholders on the marginalization of Social Studies education in Senior High Schools within the Accra Metropolis. The study sought to achieve four main objectives. Out of the Objectives. A qualitative approach was employed in this study with a case study being used as a design. The main population for the study were stakeholders, i.e. Head teachers, Social Studies teachers, Parents. The convenient and snowball non-purposive sampling technique were employed in sampling 15 participants. A census of schools within the Accra Metropolis was used. Semi-structured Interview guides were the main instrument used to collect data from the 15participants selected for the study. Findings from data collected revealed that, stakeholders conceptualize Social Studies differently. Some see the subject as citizenship education whereas others also understand the subject to be a combination of subjects in the social sciences (Amalgamation of the social sciences).This study also revealed that, Social Studies is as important as Science, Technology, English and Mathematics. Findings further revealed that, although stakeholders see Social Studies as important they perceive that, the subject lack the needed attention and respect in spite of its importance. Finally, it was revealed in this study that, effective teaching of the subject and encouragement of students by stakeholders might change negative perceptions about the subject.