6533b851fe1ef96bd12a941e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

La relation entre réformes des programmes scolaires et acquisitions à l'école primaire en Afrique : réalité ou fantasme ? L'exemple de l'approche par les compétences

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This paper proposes a critical analysis of the introduction and implementation of new school curricula in Africa based on the example of the skills based approach (SBA). In many countries, the SBA has been chosen as the most appropriate and relevant method to change their school curriculum and improve education quality. We analyse the implementation of those new curricula based on the SBA in primary schools in Mauritania. The results show that the main problems about pupil's achievement lie rather in the effective implementation of curricula in the classrooms than in their contents. Additional analyses show that this result is confirmed, as well, in other African countries. As a background analysis, we present the origins of SBA, define its purposes and assess also its limits from a pedagogical point of view. The weaknesses of this approach are stressed out to take into account the needs and the realities of African education systems. These various elements lead to the conclusion that if curriculum reforms are often necessary in African countries, it can not be a cure for education quality issues.