Education and Socialization in Ghana

George J Sefa Dei

doi:10.4236/ce.2011.22014

Abstract

Africa has always been an important source of rich information for knowledge production. There has always been a curiosity about Africa that has served different imaginations and interests. But how do we learn and teach about Africa in ways that are informed by an appreciation of African peoples’ rich cultural knowledges, com- plexity and historic resistance of local peoples to carve out their own futures and dreams? I would maintain that knowing about education and socialization offer some important directions in this search for knowledge. Tradi- tional African education has utilized a variety of instructional and pedagogic methods as well as guides and resources to educate youth. Education in African communities has happened in multiple sites, formal and non-formal. Just as West African education can benefit from a study of educational delivery in other contexts, I would argue that a study of important aspects of West African formal and non formal education and socializa- tion of young learners may offer significant lessons for educating youth in other societies. There is intellectual relevance in asking such questions as: What and how do students in West African learn? What activities, stories do students experience in their education that can be incorporated into the curriculum to enrich educating stu- dents from diverse backgrounds in other contexts? What is the nature of the environment in which students learn in West Africa?

Highlights

Using West African case material this paper explores the place of local cultural/Indigenous knowledges in African schoolling and education
The focus is on the relevance of teachings of such Indigenous knowledge systems as they enhance the education of the contemporary learner
How do we learn and teach about Africa in ways that are informed by an appreciation of African peoples’ rich cultural knowledges, complexity and historic resistance of local peoples to carve out their own futures and dreams? I would maintain that knowing about education and socialization offer some important directions in this search for knowledge

Summary

Introduction

Using West African case material this paper explores the place of local cultural/Indigenous knowledges in African schoolling and education. Perhaps education that goes back to the “roots” to cultivate and work with the teachings of local culture, social history and knowledge systems can be a good starting point to educate the contemporary African learner.

Results

Conclusion