Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana
Purpose – This study examines the nature and forms of collaboration among stakeholders that led to and existed during the design of the B.Ed. curriculum for the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana. It aims to highlight the views of local stakeholders about the processes in an educational project th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Emerald Publishing
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of International Cooperation in Education |
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| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JICE-03-2024-0014/full/pdf |
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| _version_ | 1849310524217491456 |
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| author | Hannah Edjah Eugene Adu Henaku Abraham Kwadwo Okrah Nozomi Sakata Chris Yates |
| author_facet | Hannah Edjah Eugene Adu Henaku Abraham Kwadwo Okrah Nozomi Sakata Chris Yates |
| author_sort | Hannah Edjah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Purpose – This study examines the nature and forms of collaboration among stakeholders that led to and existed during the design of the B.Ed. curriculum for the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana. It aims to highlight the views of local stakeholders about the processes in an educational project that were likely to have enhanced the importance of contextualisation in the curriculum change process. The paper also prioritises the voices and views of local stakeholders, which have often been stifled in the process of curriculum change in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from 17 local stakeholders. Thematic analysis and social constructivism framed the interpretation of findings. Findings – The study found that the CoE reform prioritised local stakeholders’ input throughout a highly collaborative process. This collaboration unexpectedly led to the development of a curriculum reflective of the Ghanaian context. However, ideological conflicts emerged at both the international and local levels, particularly regarding approaches to change and the decision to extend CoE management to four public universities. The conflicts underscore the power dynamics inherent in educational reforms funded by foreign aid. Originality/value – The research offers crucial insights for policymakers and curriculum developers regarding the importance of local stakeholder engagement in collaborative reforms involving foreign aid. The study underscores the need for active involvement from all stakeholders to create contextually relevant curricula. While conflicts may arise, the research highlights that a social constructivist approach, combined with continuous communication, negotiation and compromise, can lead to meaningful and sustainable curriculum reform outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-726b556b15be4d61b4ab76e04e3d9a45 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2755-029X 2755-0303 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Emerald Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of International Cooperation in Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-726b556b15be4d61b4ab76e04e3d9a452025-08-20T03:53:42ZengEmerald PublishingJournal of International Cooperation in Education2755-029X2755-03032025-04-01271587610.1108/JICE-03-2024-0014Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in GhanaHannah Edjah0Eugene Adu Henaku1Abraham Kwadwo Okrah2Nozomi Sakata3Chris Yates4Department of Vocational and Technical Education, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GhanaDepartment of Family Life Management, Faculty of Health, Allied Sciences and Home Economics Education, University of Education, Winneba, Winneba, GhanaDepartment of Teacher Education, University of Ghana, Legon, GhanaCenter for the Study of International Cooperation in Education, IDEC Institute, Hiroshima University, Higashihiroshima, JapanDepartment of Education Policy and Society, Institute of Education, University College London, London, UKPurpose – This study examines the nature and forms of collaboration among stakeholders that led to and existed during the design of the B.Ed. curriculum for the Colleges of Education (CoE) in Ghana. It aims to highlight the views of local stakeholders about the processes in an educational project that were likely to have enhanced the importance of contextualisation in the curriculum change process. The paper also prioritises the voices and views of local stakeholders, which have often been stifled in the process of curriculum change in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews, was used to collect data from 17 local stakeholders. Thematic analysis and social constructivism framed the interpretation of findings. Findings – The study found that the CoE reform prioritised local stakeholders’ input throughout a highly collaborative process. This collaboration unexpectedly led to the development of a curriculum reflective of the Ghanaian context. However, ideological conflicts emerged at both the international and local levels, particularly regarding approaches to change and the decision to extend CoE management to four public universities. The conflicts underscore the power dynamics inherent in educational reforms funded by foreign aid. Originality/value – The research offers crucial insights for policymakers and curriculum developers regarding the importance of local stakeholder engagement in collaborative reforms involving foreign aid. The study underscores the need for active involvement from all stakeholders to create contextually relevant curricula. While conflicts may arise, the research highlights that a social constructivist approach, combined with continuous communication, negotiation and compromise, can lead to meaningful and sustainable curriculum reform outcomes.https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JICE-03-2024-0014/full/pdfCurriculumContextualisationEducationTeacher educationStakeholders |
| spellingShingle | Hannah Edjah Eugene Adu Henaku Abraham Kwadwo Okrah Nozomi Sakata Chris Yates Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana Journal of International Cooperation in Education Curriculum Contextualisation Education Teacher education Stakeholders |
| title | Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana |
| title_full | Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana |
| title_fullStr | Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana |
| title_full_unstemmed | Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana |
| title_short | Collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context-based curriculum in Ghana |
| title_sort | collaboration between stakeholders in the design of a context based curriculum in ghana |
| topic | Curriculum Contextualisation Education Teacher education Stakeholders |
| url | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JICE-03-2024-0014/full/pdf |
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