In Slovenia, home economics is a compulsory school subject in 5th and 6th grade of Primary School, whereas in other countries, home economics is taught in different grades in primary and secondary/high school. The contents are very similar, only in some countries certain topics stand out or are added, but the objectives and methods of teaching vary from country to country due to different education systems. In the countries concerned, there is more attention devoted to home economics as it is believed that it is focused on an individual and the family as the cornerstone of the society and economy. Slovenia is also aiming to develop more the home economics subject since research shows that not only teachers but also parents perceive the home economics as important for the everyday lives of children today and in the future. Home economics teaches pupils about paying attention, security, situational awareness, patience and planning. It develops confidence and teamwork skills of the individual. During the analysis of the curricula of the subject home economics and comparable school curricula subjects in foreign countries such as Greece, Malta, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, I have noticed differences and some similarities regarding the contents and the way of conducting the home economics subject. I was particularly interested in the main subject areas in each country, the ratio between the theoretical and practical teaching and whether the contents taught within the home economics subject come up in other individual or just differently-named subjects, comparable to home economics.
|
