The Effect of Competency-Based Curriculum on the Promotion of Social Values and Civic Education in the Pre-University Education: Case of Kosovo

Abstract

This study investigates teachers’ understanding of the competency-based curriculum framework. In addition, it investigates teachers’ opinions on the promotion of civic education and social values through the curricular framework, and what impediments teachers face in implementing the curriculum on the civic education subject. A questionnaire, including structured and open-ended questions, was developed and distributed to 318 teachers. Findings of this study indicated that the majority of teachers understand the curricular framework including core and subject curricula, related to civic education and social values. In addition, findings indicate there are inadequate textbooks and insufficient professional development and training of teachers. Findings also indicate that inappropriate infrastructure and adequate equipment have a negative effect on the implementation of competency-based curricula. Recommendations highlight the need for a revision of textbooks based on the curricular framework provisions and additional training of teachers on implementing the competency-based curriculum. In addition, there is a need for providing adequate working conditions for teachers. Recommendation for future research is to include other factors such as students’ performance and outcomes of the educational process.