Dr. Matur Ater Majing, Dr. Jacob Dut Chol Riak

Abstract

In social and civic education, teacher preparation and training encompasses not only the sharing of knowledge but also the development of a contemplative and engaged attitude. This study dissects the teacher support and training and implementation of a civic engagement-oriented curriculum in Lakes’ state, of South Sudan. Teacher support and training and implementation of a civic engagement-oriented curriculum is rooted in the shift from traditional, lecture-based teaching toward active, experiential civic education. As education system aim to prepare students for democratic participation, teachers face challenges in adopting new pedagogical roles, necessitating structured support and professional development despite implementing a civic engagement-oriented curriculum in South Sudan. This civic engagement-oriented curriculum is rooted in post-conflict reconstruction, aiming to foster national unity and peace through education. Despite adopting a new curriculum, implementation faces critical challenges due to widespread teacher shortages, inadequate training, poor incentives, and insufficient school infrastructure. The study was analyzed under Freirean critical pedagogy, socio-cultural view of teacher learning, citizenship education theory and post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding theories. A case study design was used, with a sample of 429 of which 369 was the response obtained from teachers and head teachers from 20 public secondary schools in Lakes’ state of South Sudan. The study’s results aim to transform traditional passive education into active, democratic, and critical thinking processes that address historical injustices, promote national cohesion, and empower teachers as change agents in a fragile setting. Therefore, teacher training from a “crafted model” towards a more critical and reflective practice. It encourages teachers to view learners as active participants in building a new democratic society, crucial for navigating a post-conflict environment.

Keywords: Teacher, Support, Training, Implementation, Civic, Engagement, Curriculum, Lakes, South Sudan.

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