Following independence in several African countries, most decided to change the colonial education systems and curricula for the educational development of their countries. However, they lacked qualified human resources and money and appealed to Europe and America for assistance, both of which were provided. The American and British input of MACOS (Man a Course of Study) by Jerome Bruner, was introduced into African countries in 1960 and was adopted by the regional body, the African Social Studies Program for Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. It became the main social studies course in most African countries controlled from the headquarters and directed by the experts from the U.K. and the U.S.A. This book is an analytical case study of MACOS in Africa and its effect on African educational development. The educational standards, culture, and outcomes introduced into a foreign culture are discussed and recommendations made. The dangers faced by primary and high schools in those African countries are analyzed based on twenty-first century curriculum standards. The book is particularly relevant for schools of education, colleges, educational administrators, and curriculum workers in the United States, Europe, and Africa who are committed to the development of relevant and decentralized curricula in a country as a basis for development. Professor A. Jones, member of an African social studies working party, described the book as relevant, logical, and well balanced in its analysis. "It is timely for educators everywhere to understand the negative influences of foreign curricula on the educational systems of other countries. This is an excellent handbook for those who are curriculum experts either within their countries or outside." (A. Jones, 2006)

About the author

Dr. Kemoh Salia-Bao serves as an associate professor and dissertation chair for the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Cambridge College’s School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02143, United States of America. Dr. Salia-Bao is a graduate of Harvard University. His illustrious career spans over three decades, during which he has developed and mentored hundreds of students, including doctoral students. He is the author of over 15 books and numerous scholarly articles and technical publications for academic circles and for government and international agencies. Dr. Salia-Bao has taught at various schools and universities across continents and has also shaped and reformed educational systems of several countries. He has consulted UNESCO and governments of various African countries. His teaching and research interests include curriculum theory development, implementation, evaluation, and culture; history of education; education and development of disadvantaged societies; teacher effectiveness; and teaching and learning in poor and backward environments.