Education ministry brings back Home Economics subject in Malawi curriculum
Ministry of Education has brought back Home Economics subject in primary schools and the subject is now part of primary school teacher training curriculum.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Emmanuel Fabiano told reporters Friday in Lilongwe the coming back of Home Economics Subject is part of curriculum changes aimed at improving the dwindling education standards.
“The purpose of the review of the Initial Primary Teacher Education curriculum was to address national concerns and meet the needs of student teachers in a dynamic society with diverse challenges and perspectives,” he said.
He said innovative and learner centred methodologies have been carefully selected to deliver the curriculum which he said is relevant and tailor made for teachers today and the near future.
Among others, student primary school teachers will now have a term off for practicals during their two year stay in colleges, a departure from the old curriculum which saw the student teachers spending one year in college and one year out of campus for practicals.
“Student teachers will be in college for one full year learning subject content and methodology, observing qualified practicing teachers in schools surrounding the colleges, and carry out peer and micro teaching,” he said.
In their second year of study, Fabiano said, the student teachers will start with teaching practices for one term whereby they will be allocated to infant and junior classes of standards one to four where the emphasis will be on early grade teaching methodologies.
In terms two and three of the second year, they will be in college to continue learning subject content, reflect on teaching practice experiences and sit for final examinations to be administered by Maneb, he said.
He said the curriculum introduces new aspects in teacher education such as modular structure, combined in-college content with practicum in primary schools to ensure students reflect on school experiences with tutors back in college, strengthening of foundation studies and re-introduction of Home Economics.
There are 70, 000 teachers in the 180, 000 strong civil service, most of whom are primary schools teachers.
There are four million primary school learners across the country, according to the ministry officials.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
