The status and quality of junior high school science teaching and learning in the Sunyani Municipality

Abstract

The study investigated the status and quality of science teaching and learning in some selected Junior High Schools of the Sunyani Municipality. The research involved 10 randomly selected schools within the Sunyani Municipality. A total of 100 pupils were selected in addition to 20 Integrated Science teachers. The study was a descriptive survey. A self -constructed questionnaire (SCQ), structured observation checklists and interviews were the main instruments for the data collection. A duration of four weeks was used for the collection of data from both pupils and teachers; who were observed and questionnaires administered and the data finally analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. The study revealed that 65% of the science teachers were experienced in teaching science at the JHS level. Schools within the municipality lacked laboratories, and therefore used normal classrooms as laboratories. Instructional materials were inadequate for the teaching and learning of science. Teachers within the municipality attested to the need to use practical oriented methods to teach science. Additionally, about 90% of the science teachers confirmed the lack of organization of in-service training for science teachers within the municipality. In view of this, the researcher suggested the use of practical oriented methods in the teaching and learning of science and the discontinuation of literacy approaches to science teaching and learning. It was further recommended that in service training should be regularly organized for science teachers. Efforts should also be made by the relevant authorities in education to ensure that adequate materials and laboratories exist at JHS level in the research area.