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VOL. 12, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Ideologies and approaches in music education in Zambia: A review of curriculum and practice
Authors
Chipo Namaiko, Dr. Bibian Kalinde
Abstract
In Zambia, a significant gap exists between
the ideology and approaches of music education (ME) and the policies and
practices that govern it. While ME faces numerous challenges, existing studies
have not sufficiently examined its ideological foundations and pedagogical
approaches as key areas requiring attention. This study explores ME curriculum
and practice through the lens of ideology and pedagogical approaches, aiming to
bridge the gap between policy and implementation. The findings of this study
will contribute to informing the future development of the ME curriculum in
Zambia. The study used qualitative research methods embedded in multi-site case
study design which included Southern, Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces of
Zambia. Data sources included curriculum documents on ME, interviews and focus
groups from 106 respondents comprising curriculum developers (1), teachers
(24), lecturers (8) and learners (73) in primary and secondary schools and
tertiary institutions, as well as observations of actual teaching. Both
purposeful and convenience sampling techniques were used to include
participants and institutions. Findings indicate that humanism, democracy and
aestheticism influenced policy generation and implementation in ME.
Additionally, music is approached through various avenues, including music as
practical or vocational training, cultural preservation, promotion of positive
leisure activities, holistic learning and integrated arts. Curriculum gaps show
lack of specialised music rooms, unclear inclusion guidelines, low use of
technology and inconsistent teaching of ME despite policy mandates. The
prospects in ME point to increased use of technology, introduction of
specialised training in music at primary, generating a ME policy and a practically
oriented curriculum.
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Pages:10-18
How to cite this article:
Chipo Namaiko, Dr. Bibian Kalinde "Ideologies and approaches in music education in Zambia: A review of curriculum and practice". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 10-18
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