Teaching Geography through Zambian music to Grade 12 pupils of The Kamwala High School
Date
2011-06-28
Authors
Simwawa, Musyani James
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Geography is one of the keys to understanding the earth and its environment so as to appreciate the delicate balances between the human and physical elements that bind people and to this planet. Geography becomes even more important with the world turning global and issues of citizenship and sustainable development gaining greater prominence in the lives of pupils. The technological advancement with the use of cell phones, the increase in the number of radio stations in Zambia, the use of computers with the internet from which music can be listened to, have enhanced
chances of listening to music. Lyrics of songs form a very rich source of geographic
and historical evidence which has been used in countries like Canada, The United States of America and the United Kingdom. The problem is that this unlimited source of geographic information has not been exploited by geography teachers in Zambia before. Therefore, this study sought to look at some of the Zambian songs in
order to find out their usefulness in the teaching and learning of geography in high
schools of Zambia. This study specifically aimed at exploring Zambian music so as
to show how it can be used educationally in the teaching of Geography to grade 12
pupils of the Kamwala High School in Zambia. The specific objectives of the study
were to investigate how Zambian music could be used in the teaching of geography
to grade 12 pupils of the Kamwala High School, to determine the extent to which
Zambian songs showed frustration or dissatisfaction and also to investigate the
geography educational values derived from songs. The research questions of the
study were three:
(i) How can Zambian music be used in teaching geography to grade twelve pupils of
The Kamwala High School?
(ii) To what extent do Zambian songs show frustration or dissatisfaction about the
state of affairs at a particular place and time?
(iii) What geography educational values can be derived from Zambian songs for
development?
The study used a case study research design which was qualitative for which content
analysis, interviews, focused group discussions and observation were used as research instruments.Songs and musicians were purposively sampled while the pupils were randomly sampled. The study found out that many Zambian songs were very useful in teaching geography and did have geography education values key to sustainable development.The study, therefore, recommended that a collection of songs fit for teaching geography should be made. The study also recommended that money should be sourced from government and well wishers to help those who want to record geography songs. The study further recommended that partnership should be established between Zambian schools, colleges and universities and North American ones that use music for teaching geography. The study also recommended that musicians should be educated about singing songs that are of value to geography and reflect the challenges of Zambia's development.
Description
Keywords
Geography Teaching-Zambia