ROLE OF CURRICULUM IN DEVELOPING DEMOCRATIC ATTITUDE AMONG STUDENTS AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL: TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

The development of democratic citizens is the basic need of any country and responsibility of the schools in Pakistan. The major objective of this study was to investigate teachers’ perceptions about the role of curriculum in developing democratic attitude among students at elementary level. The population of the study comprised of 105 subject teachers, teaching social studies at elementary level from 21Federal Government Educational Institutions (Cantt/Garrison) [FGEIs (C/G)] of Multan Region. The sample of the study was 105 teachers teaching social study that was selected through census sampling technique. Self-developed and self-validated questionnaire was used as research tool for the collection of data. Data were analyzed by calculating i.e. percentage, mean, and t. test. The results revealed that the curriculum of social studies had a significant role in developing democratic attitude among students at elementary level. However, some of the teachers have the opinion that they were facing some difficulties e.g. lack of support by management, lack of proper training, and unsupported environment of the schools. The study recommended that school management should enhance support, provide propertrainings, and create supported environment in schools for democratic education.