Engaging Kenyan secondary students in an Oral History Project: Education as emancipation

This article uses a case study approach to explore the viability and impact of learner-centered, emancipatory pedagogies. The research focuses on the implementation of an Oral History Project with students at a Kenyan secondary school. Findings reveal that the project had a significant impact on participants’ beliefs about teaching and learning, strengthened students’ sense of self-efficacy, and enhanced participants’ perceptions of community knowledge. The study suggests that while learner-centered, emancipatory pedagogies are viable and can have a transformative impact on students and teachers, systematic and sustained instructional support and professional development are needed to ensure long-term success.

► Describes implementation of an Oral History Project in a Kenyan secondary school.
► Examines viability of emancipatory, learner-centered pedagogies in Kenyan schools.
► Explores impact of approach on teacher and student learning and beliefs.
► Discusses significance for international education reform efforts.