Causes of pupils‟ poor performance in integrated science in selected junior high schools

Abstract

This is an investigative study into the causes of pupils‟ poor performance in Integrated Science in some selected Junior High Schools in the Anomabo Circuit of Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana. The study took a look at the factors that might exist to hinder the performances of the pupils. The study adopted the descriptive method of qualitative research and data were collected with a set of questionnaire and an interview schedule and data from questionnaire were analysed using frequencies and percentages. The validity and reliability of these research instruments were realized after pilot testing. The trustworthiness of the interview guide was ascertained by using member check. Inter-rater was used for the observer reliability, and content and face, and Cronbach Alpha was used for the validity and reliability of the questionnaire respectively. Using the purposive and simple random sampling techniques, a sample of three schools with 69 respondents comprising 60 pupils and 9 teachers were selected for in-depth study. The results indicated that the science teachers faced some challenges in dealing with the content of the Integrated Science syllabus. Lack of the availability of teaching resources, low teacher competency and low experienced teachers. It was, therefore, recommended that there is the need for regular organization of professional development activities such as induction and in-service training by the Ghana Education Service, adequate resources should be provided, experience and qualified teachers should be provided in order to address the problem in the Anomabo Circuit.