Repositioning Indigenous Practices for Effective Childhood Education Globally

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue V, May 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Repositioning Indigenous Practices for Effective Childhood Education Globally

Fabinu F. A., Ogunleye, T. O., Morondiya, M.O And Eruobodo, O. M
School Early Childhood Care and Primary Education,
Michael Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, Lagos State.

Abstract: Indigenous education forms part of any nation’s heritage and therefore it is inseparable from
their way of life. This paper examined repositioning indigenous practices for effective childhood education in Epe community. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The sample consisted of two hundred (200) respondents in Epe community randomly selected for the study. A questionnaire titled ‘Repositioning Indigenous Practices for Effective Childhood Education Questionnaire (RIPECEQ)’ was used as instruments to generate data. The data was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentage, Mean and Standard deviation using weighted average, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients and regression analysis. The result obtained indicated that, modern practices (X = 64.55) have higher mean scores than their indigenous practices on early childhood education (X= 62.80) and there was a positive significant correlation coefficient between indigenous practices and modern practices on early childhood education (r = 0.233; p<.05). More so, child’s active living and services, respect for elders, growth and development did not make significant contribution to indigenous practices in early childhood education. Child’s reasoning (β = -.140; t = 1.826; p<.005) and child’s culture (β = -.344; t = -2.836; p<.005) made significant contribution to indigenous practices in early childhood education. Lastly, weighted average of 2.48 indicated agreement with the fact that indigenous practices have significant importance on Early Childhood Education in Epe community. Based on these findings, there is need to adopt and integrate some of the traditional/indigenous practices into the modern education because it is rich in culture and helps in molding the child in terms of respect, character and the total development of a child.

Key Words: Repositioning, Indigenous Practices, Modern Practices, Children and Early Childhood Education.

I. INTRODUCTION

It is assumed in this current society that education is the key to national development. This therefore brings about a need to maintain every level of education especially the pre-primary stage, because it is the bedrock upon which all other educational levels are built. When a child misses the early stage it is usually hard for the learner to get back to the basics. Early childhood education is a common practice in most societies, provision are made for early childhood education programs of various types for children below the official school age (usually 6 years) mainly to prepare them for the rigors of primary education and beyond (Obiweluozor, 2018). According to The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) early childhood can be defined as

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