International Journal of Asian Social Science （国际亚洲社会科学杂志》上）.pdf

International Journal of Asian Social Science, 2013, 3(4):890-898 International Journal of Asian Social Science journal homepage : /journal-detail.php?id=5007 THE GLOOMY OUTLOOK OF PRACTICAL SUBJECTS IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE OF HISTORY PERPETUATED? Misozi Chiweshe University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Education Department of Technical Education, Harare, Zimbabwe Edziwa Xavier University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Education Department of Technical Education, Harare, Zimbabwe Jumo Cryton University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Education Department of Technical Education, Harare, Zimbabwe Chakamba John University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Education Department of Technical Education, Harare, Zimbabwe ABSTRACT This paper analyses the attitudes of the Zimbabwean society towards practical subjects in schools. The argument is that negative attitudes towards practical subjects can contribute to the demise of the subjects in schools. The history of practical subjects in Zimbabwe lays the foundation of the argument and answer if the colonial mindset is still imbedded within certain sections of our society. A critical analysis of derogatory language used, treatment of practical subjects in schools and colleges and the current recruitment practices by employers was undertaken. The article concludes by making recommendations on how the mindset of society can be changed in a positive way and how practical subjects can be sustained in the Zimbabwean curriculum. Keywords: Practical subjects, attitudes, society, Zimbabwe curriculum, F2 schools, the history of Zimbabwe education INTRODUCTION Wanyama (n.d) defines practical subjects