Integrating 'the family' topic as part of the home economics & personal and social development curriculum

Abstract

This study constitutes a curriculum development exercise. The aim is to make a case for the integration of two curriculum areas and how, through the 'Family' topic in Home Economics & Personal and Social Development can be integrated. For the proposal to be more strictly rooted in the realities of schools and classrooms, a questionnaire was administered in 114 local schools to teachers of Home Economics & Personal & Social Development and interviews were conducted with the Education Officers at the curriculum centre. Findings revealed that the majority of the teachers would appreciate it if the barriers between the Home Economics & Personal and Social Development teachers were to be dismantled, so as to correlate teaching experience in order to help pupils' needs in fulfilling the appropriate life skills. Nevertheless, the main reason given by the teachers for not opting the same pedagogical strategies was related to the different methodologies of the subjects concerned, even though the development of the pack was perceived to be quite fruitful for both respondents.