The practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the west circuit of Bongo District in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the West circuit of Bongo district. Three research questions were formulated, on the various supervisory options applied by head teachers in these schools; the challenges faced by head teachers and the possible measures to mitigate the challenges in the study area. Descriptive survey method was employed. One Circuit of Bongo district was selected for the study through the purposive sampling technique. All the head teachers and teachers were sampled through the purposive sampling technique and a simple random sampling technique respectively. From these sample schools, 11 head teachers and 96 teachers were considered as the respondents of the study. Questionnaire was used as a main tool of data collection. Interview was also used to substantiate the data gathered through questionnaires. Frequency count and percentages were utilised to analyse quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered thorough interview was also analysed by narration. The result of the study indicated that head teachers in the study area employed a variety of supervisory options to supervise their teachers base on the level of maturity of the individual teacher. Work overload of head teachers; lack of regular in-service training for head teachers and interference of SMC and PTA members in the work of head teachers were identified in the study as the challenges faced by head teachers. To minimise these challenges, the study recommended reduction of workload of head teachers, regular in service training for instructional supervisors, and the existence of cordial relationship between head teachers and teachers and sensitisation of SMC and PTA members on their roles in the schools.