By Langton Chikaka
This installment looks at the philosophy underpinning a Heritage Based Curriculum, explores its key features , identifies the key competences in HBC and outlines the methods which school teachers may employ in the teaching of science and Math subjects.
A Heritage – Based Curriculum ( HBC) integrates local culture, history and values in education, promoting cultural preservation, identity and relevance. By incorporating traditional knowledge and community involvement, the Heritage based curriculum fosters a holistic learning experience that honors the past while preparing learners for the future.
Key features of the Heritage- Based Education
Here are some key features of the Heritage’s Heritage- Based Curriculum.
1. Enhanced relevance and engagement
2. Deepening of Science concepts
3. Connecting to local contexts and exploring indigenous knowledge systems. It should be borne in mind that the Heritage-Based approach focuses on : (I) knowledge, that is the ability to acquire, understand and apply fundamental ideas and theories within a learning area. Further, the focus is understanding, analysis, evaluation, hands on activities, problem solving, integration and recognition that knowledge is always evolving. (ii) Skills Practical abilities that enable learners to perform tasks effectively. These skills may be cognitive, technical, interpersonal, self management and research skills. (iii) Values
4. Values are principles and beliefs that guide behavior and decision making. Key aspects include integrity, respect , responsibility, empathy, social justice and life long learning.
Contextualizing Science and Math
1. Cultural relevance: Incorporate local and indigenous knowledge, examples, and case studies to make science and math more relevant and engaging.
2. Traditional practices: Explore the scientific and mathematical principles underlying traditional practices, such as agriculture, medicine, or architecture.
Integrating Heritage and Culture
1. Storytelling: Use stories and legends from local cultures to illustrate scientific and mathematical concepts.
2. Cultural artifacts: Use cultural artifacts, such as traditional tools or instruments, to demonstrate scientific and mathematical principles.
Project-Based Learning
1. Community-based projects: Assign projects that require students to apply scientific and mathematical concepts to real-world problems in their community.
2. Cultural preservation: Encourage students to explore and document traditional practices and knowledge related to science and math.
Hands-on Activities
1. Traditional crafts: Incorporate traditional crafts, such as weaving or pottery, to teach scientific and mathematical concepts, such as geometry and measurement.
2. Indigenous technologies Explore the scientific and mathematical principles underlying indigenous technologies, such as irrigation systems or navigation tools.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
1. Community involvement: Involve local community members, elders, or experts in teaching and learning processes.
2. Interdisciplinary approaches: Collaborate with other subjects, such as language, social studies, or arts, to provide a holistic understanding of science and math in a cultural context.
Benefits
1. Increased relevance: Makes science and math more relevant and meaningful to students’ lives.
2. Cultural preservation: Helps preserve local knowledge, traditions, and cultural heritage.
3. Improved engagement: Increases student engagement and motivation by connecting science and math to their cultural background.
By incorporating these effective teaching methods, educators can make science and math more accessible, relevant, and engaging for students in a heritage-based
curriculum.
The writer is an experienced administrator since 2005. He has worked and served as a school head at Mutauto, Holy Family secondary schools. Chapwanya, Hande and Makumbe High Schools. He is the c urrent Head Zimuto RCZ High School. He is former Provincial Head in Charge responsible for English Language and Foreign Languages from 2023 -2025. He is a holder of a diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education, Master of Business Administration and many other certificates and diplomas in administration.