Factors Affecting the Study of Qiné in Ethiopian Orthodox Church Schools

Abstract

Qiné, poetry of double meaning, figuratively known as ‘wax and gold’, has been a core component of traditional Church education in Ethiopia. It is nurtured by qiné schools that are tucked away in different corners of the country. Researchers have dwelt on other levels of church education (e.g. the nebab bet- ‘house of reading’) specially from the pedagogical perspective, but relatively little attention has been given in this regard to qiné schools. Using a conceptual guide comprising a blend of selected components from models of school effectiveness developed by Scheerens (1990) and Creemers (1994), the study attempted to analyze the factors that undergird and regulate the workings of qiné schools and to reflect on their implications for present-day schools. The conceptual guide included: context, school-level characteristics, student and teacher attributes, teaching-learning method and learning outcome. A documentary and archival information served as the main resource materials for the study. The analysis identified socio-cultural and state support, conducive school climate, unflagging student motivation, exalted teacher prestige and intense reflection as instrumental in enhancing the work of qiné schools. The limitations of such schools include student stress, insufficient instructional aid, ill-defined duration of study and absence of clear-cut and common standard for student certification. Implications of the study for modern schools are highlighted.