Teachers’ perceptions and utilization of educational trips in teaching social studies in Biakoye and Kpando Districts in the Volta Region

Abstract

This study surveyed teachers perception and utilization of educational trip in teaching Social Studies in Senior High School in Biakoye and Kpando Districts in the Volta Region of Ghana. Four research questions guided the study: 1) What is the perception of teachers regarding the concept of educational trips and experiential learning? 2) How are teachers motivated towards the use of educational trips in teaching Social Studies? 3) To what extent are the challenges confronting teachers as regards the organisation of educational trips influence the utilization of educational trips in teaching Social Studies? 4) What is the extent of teachers‟ use of educational trips in teaching and learning by Social Studies teachers in Senior High Schools in the Volta Region of Ghana? A sequential mixed method design was used for the study. The major instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Data from this source were then triangulated with interview. Non – probability sampling method, that is, convenience and purposive sampling techniques, were used to select the sample of districts, schools and respondents for the study. In all, thirty (30) Social Studies teachers were selected from six (6) Senior High Schools in the Volta Region. It is discovered from the data that Social Studies teachers have adequate knowledge on the concept of educational trips. The research further revealed that Social Studies teachers have negative attitude towards the utilization of educational trips in teaching Social Studies. These negative attitudes of teachers towards the use of educational trips to promote effective teaching and learning were revealed by the research to relate to a number of interrelated factors which include: 1) Difficulties with transportation (including cost), 2) Time considerations (preparation, fitting into the school timetable), 3) Lack of support from school administrations for educational trips. This research discovered that most Social Studies teachers do not use educational trips in teaching Social Studies in Senior High Schools in the Volta Region of Ghana. And even the few that used it did so sparingly