The History Curriculum and Inculcation of National Consciousness in History Students in Ghana

Abstract

National consciousness plays an important role in socio-economic and political developments in many nations. Mostly, national consciousness promotes national unity, sustainable development, peace, respect for diversity, patriotism, and others. Undoubtedly, most of the variables mentioned are acquired through the study of national history. This study stems from the motivation to find out whether the Ghanaian senior high school history curriculum addresses the canons identified as variables of national consciousness. The study, therefore, aimed at examining the content of the Ghanaian history syllabus, as a curriculum document, whether it inculcates national consciousness or otherwise. 125 Form Three history students in all the six senior high schools in the Koforidua Metropolis in the Eastern Region of Ghana were used to satisfy the quantitative requirements of the study. Content analysis was done by examining the history syllabus for qualitative requirements too. Both quantitative and qualitative data established that the history curriculum inculcates national consciousness values. However, it was noted from the content analysis that there are not enough topics on the history of Ghana. It is, therefore, recommended that any review of the history curriculum should have enough topics related to the history of Ghana. This would help instill common values and deepen the understanding of national issues in the learners.