TY - JOUR
T1 - Bridging the gaps
T2 - Addressing challenges of student learning outcomes through innovative and culturally relevant approaches in pastoral areas
AU - Assefa, Yalalem
AU - Tilwani, Shouket Ahmad
AU - Moges, Bekalu Tadesse
AU - Majeed, Huda
AU - Alhur, Anas Ali
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
PY - 2025/1
Y1 - 2025/1
N2 - Students in pastoral areas encounter a range of educational challenges, including engagement and retention issues, geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure and educational resources, lack of culturally sensitive curricula, and sociocultural barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing student learning outcomes in these areas. This study was conducted to identify and propose relevant educational approaches that help to address such challenges and enhance student learning outcomes in Ethiopia's pastoral areas. Using a meta-synthesis approach following PRISMA guidelines, the study systematically reviewed and synthesized the exisitng body of knowledge on education in pastoral areas. Using a thematic synthesis, the study identified five major themes as key approaches to address the multifaceted challenges faced by students and improve educational outcomes. These include: (1) integrating culturally relevant curricula enhances sustainable student engagement and retention; (2) leveraging low-cost digital tools improves access to education in geographically remote areas; (3) fostering community involvement in school governance strengths parental support and sense of ownership in school activities; (4) offering teacher training in culturally sensitive pedagogy improves instructional quality necessary to enhance student engagement, reduce dropout rates, and bring more positive educational outcomes; and (5) addressing socio-economic barriers and cultural stigmas foster communities' long-term socio-economic mobility and improved student retention. Drawing from these findings, the study offers practical recommendations for policy-level decision makers, educators, and concerned stakeholders to design inclusive and sustainable educational systems that contribute to long-term educational development and resilience in these areas.
AB - Students in pastoral areas encounter a range of educational challenges, including engagement and retention issues, geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure and educational resources, lack of culturally sensitive curricula, and sociocultural barriers. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing student learning outcomes in these areas. This study was conducted to identify and propose relevant educational approaches that help to address such challenges and enhance student learning outcomes in Ethiopia's pastoral areas. Using a meta-synthesis approach following PRISMA guidelines, the study systematically reviewed and synthesized the exisitng body of knowledge on education in pastoral areas. Using a thematic synthesis, the study identified five major themes as key approaches to address the multifaceted challenges faced by students and improve educational outcomes. These include: (1) integrating culturally relevant curricula enhances sustainable student engagement and retention; (2) leveraging low-cost digital tools improves access to education in geographically remote areas; (3) fostering community involvement in school governance strengths parental support and sense of ownership in school activities; (4) offering teacher training in culturally sensitive pedagogy improves instructional quality necessary to enhance student engagement, reduce dropout rates, and bring more positive educational outcomes; and (5) addressing socio-economic barriers and cultural stigmas foster communities' long-term socio-economic mobility and improved student retention. Drawing from these findings, the study offers practical recommendations for policy-level decision makers, educators, and concerned stakeholders to design inclusive and sustainable educational systems that contribute to long-term educational development and resilience in these areas.
KW - Culturally-relevant education
KW - Pastoral areas
KW - SDG4
KW - Student learning outcomes
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105011266853&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101822
DO - 10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101822
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:105011266853
SN - 2590-2911
VL - 12
JO - Social Sciences and Humanities Open
JF - Social Sciences and Humanities Open
M1 - 101822
ER -
