LOLAJACOBS ASSIGNMENTHUB © 2026
PDU3701
ASSIGNMENT NO: 02
YEAR : 2026
PREVIEW:
1.1 In what ways do you think "African values" were marginalised in the educational
systems on the African continent? [10]
African values were marginalised in education mainly during the colonial period.
During this time, African education systems were changed to follow Western ideas
and practices. Schools started teaching mainly Western knowledge while African
traditions and cultural practices were ignored.
One important way African values were marginalised was through the school
curriculum. Most subjects focused on Western history, literature and philosophy
instead of African knowledge…
, LOLAJACOBS ASSIGNMENTHUB © 2026
Question 1
Read the following extract and respond to the questions that follow. "Education has
to do with values. As such, the marginalisation of African values in education on the
African continent, as witnessed in the colonial and postcolonial periods, has resulted
in the general Westernisation of education in Africa. Owing to this, education
systems in Africa have failed to acknowledge the cultural preferences and practices
in education of African people. Instead, these education systems have given
prominence to the cultural preferences and practices of the Western world, thereby
perpetuation an ideology of the cultural superiority of the West". (Higgs and Letseka,
2024, p.13).
1.2 In what ways do you think "African values" were marginalised in the educational
systems on the African continent? [10]
African values were marginalised in education mainly during the colonial period.
During this time, African education systems were changed to follow Western ideas
and practices. Schools started teaching mainly Western knowledge while African
traditions and cultural practices were ignored.
One important way African values were marginalised was through the school
curriculum. Most subjects focused on Western history, literature and philosophy
instead of African knowledge. Indigenous African Knowledge Systems were often not
included in school subjects. This made learners believe that Western knowledge was
more important than African knowledge.
Another way African values were marginalised was through language. Many schools
used European languages such as English or French as the language of teaching.
This made it difficult for learners to learn through their own cultural and linguistic
background.
African education also ignored important African values such as ubuntu and
communalism. Ubuntu teaches people to care for one another and respect the
community. The textbook explains that African philosophy promotes “the values of
ubuntu and communality” which focus on kindness, compassion and respect for
others (Higgs & Letseka, 2024, p.12).
Colonial education also encouraged individual competition, while African societies
traditionally value cooperation and community relationships.
Because of these factors, African learners often grew up learning more about
Western culture than their own traditions and heritage. This contributed to the
marginalisation of African values in education.
1.3 Define 'Westernisation' in your own terms and provide examples to justify your
definition. [5]
PDU3701
ASSIGNMENT NO: 02
YEAR : 2026
PREVIEW:
1.1 In what ways do you think "African values" were marginalised in the educational
systems on the African continent? [10]
African values were marginalised in education mainly during the colonial period.
During this time, African education systems were changed to follow Western ideas
and practices. Schools started teaching mainly Western knowledge while African
traditions and cultural practices were ignored.
One important way African values were marginalised was through the school
curriculum. Most subjects focused on Western history, literature and philosophy
instead of African knowledge…
, LOLAJACOBS ASSIGNMENTHUB © 2026
Question 1
Read the following extract and respond to the questions that follow. "Education has
to do with values. As such, the marginalisation of African values in education on the
African continent, as witnessed in the colonial and postcolonial periods, has resulted
in the general Westernisation of education in Africa. Owing to this, education
systems in Africa have failed to acknowledge the cultural preferences and practices
in education of African people. Instead, these education systems have given
prominence to the cultural preferences and practices of the Western world, thereby
perpetuation an ideology of the cultural superiority of the West". (Higgs and Letseka,
2024, p.13).
1.2 In what ways do you think "African values" were marginalised in the educational
systems on the African continent? [10]
African values were marginalised in education mainly during the colonial period.
During this time, African education systems were changed to follow Western ideas
and practices. Schools started teaching mainly Western knowledge while African
traditions and cultural practices were ignored.
One important way African values were marginalised was through the school
curriculum. Most subjects focused on Western history, literature and philosophy
instead of African knowledge. Indigenous African Knowledge Systems were often not
included in school subjects. This made learners believe that Western knowledge was
more important than African knowledge.
Another way African values were marginalised was through language. Many schools
used European languages such as English or French as the language of teaching.
This made it difficult for learners to learn through their own cultural and linguistic
background.
African education also ignored important African values such as ubuntu and
communalism. Ubuntu teaches people to care for one another and respect the
community. The textbook explains that African philosophy promotes “the values of
ubuntu and communality” which focus on kindness, compassion and respect for
others (Higgs & Letseka, 2024, p.12).
Colonial education also encouraged individual competition, while African societies
traditionally value cooperation and community relationships.
Because of these factors, African learners often grew up learning more about
Western culture than their own traditions and heritage. This contributed to the
marginalisation of African values in education.
1.3 Define 'Westernisation' in your own terms and provide examples to justify your
definition. [5]
