Teaching and learning of moral values in pre-schools: a case of Kamariny Division, Keiyo Northsub-County, Elgeiyo Marakwet County Kenya

Abstract

The Kenya's Education system consists of Early Childhood Education. Pre-school children are the future of the Nation and therefore they should be taught moral values at home and in school such moral values are love fellow human beings, respect elders, never speak lies, love your country, and many more. The study examined the teaching and learning of moral values in pre-school .The study sought to examine teaching and learning of moral values in pre-school, teachers' attitudes towards the teaching of moral values pre-school, methods used when teaching and learning moral values in preschool and challenges faced when teaching moral values in pre-school., KIE (2008) syllabus has no clarity on moral values to be taught and learnt at Pre-school resulting to Pre School teachers teaching out of their own understanding about moral values hence need to carry out this study. The study was based on Bandura Theory (1971) which states that the important part of human behavior is learnt from other people in the environment. Pre-school children are expected to learn from what others are doing around them. The study used descriptive design. The target population consisted of 236 pre-school teachers and 91 head teachers drawn from 91 pre- schools. Random sampling technique was used to select 71 preschool teachers, 27 pre-schools and 27 head teachers. The instruments used were questionnaires, interviews and observation schedules. Results of data were analyzed by use of descriptive statistics. Data was presented using tables and bar graphs and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results of the study indicated that female teachers teaching pre-school are forty five 64.3%, higher than male twenty five 35.7%.According to head teachers, the value of honest was highly taught and learnt, twelve 44.4%, nineteen 70.4% of teachers had positive attitudes towards teaching and learning of moral values in pre-schools. The most used method of teaching and learning of moral values is story telling sixteen 59.3% and the less used method is rewards two 7.4%. Highest challenge is lack of role model which is thirty three 47.1% and drawing back is lowest with five 7.1%. The most taught and learnt moral values by teachers is honesty and discipline which is thirty five 35.7% and the least taught and learnt moral value is peace and respect which is six 7.7%. It was recommended that there is need to carry out an extensive similar study for the whole country to enable the policy makers to design proper ways of teaching and learning of moral values in pre- schools. Further study about the topic to be carried out at higher levels of education for instance doctor of philosophy by researcher or other researchers. Most of the pre-school teachers are female and therefore, Male teachers should be encouraged to teach pre-schools.