Teachers' interpretation of accelerated christian education curriculum to teach reading, in private schools in Lusaka district, Zambia
Date
2016
Authors
Zulu, Precious
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Abstract
Children are increasingly expected to progress in reading at a standard speed and through one methodology. The Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum developed in the 1970s in Garland, Texas by Dr. Donald Howard plays a role and contributes to reading through the use of Individualized Instruction in teaching initial literacy to Pre and Lower Primary school learners, as one of its special features.
The purpose of the study was to establish the understanding of the teachers who are using the Accelerated Christian Education Curriculum to teach reading at Pre and lower Primary school level, in private schools in Lusaka District. The study sought to establish the teachers’ interpretation of the ACE programme in terms of its ability to produce students who are capable of acquiring the basic skills of reading in initial literacy.
The study employed phenomenological design in which qualitative methods were triangulated to describe snap shots of the population about which data was gathered. The Mode of data collection, included interviews, observations and analysis of documents. The sampling technique was purposive.
The major findings indicated that ACE reading program fosters development of the Individual child to his full capacity. The program encourages individual progress with the use of self-pacing. The initial diagnosis conducted for every pupil takes away assumption based on chronological age or class expectations. The pupils continue on to individual work once they are able to read.
Finally, it was recommended that local curriculum developers should tailor the literacy curriculum according to individual needs of the learner to achieve the objectives of literacy. Teachers and all other stake holders should consider individual needs as they teach children to read, because with the right exposure, every child can learn to read. The developers of ACE program should authorize printing of materials locally to reduce the cost and delivery time.
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Christian education curriculum.