Abstract:
This research sought to investigate the availability and utilisation of biology laboratory
facilities by teachers in selected schools in the Central Region of Ghana. This study was
carried out in the Category C Senior High Schools and the instruments used for data
collections were questionnaire and Biology Laboratory Facility Checklist. All the forty
(40) Category C Schools in the region were used. Three biology teachers from each
school, and therefore giving a total of 120 respondents were sampled using purposive
sampling technique. Coding schemes were developed to organise the data into
meaningful categories. The categorised data were converted into frequency counts and
simple percentages, and used to answer the research questions addressed in the study.
The study found out that because of the work load on the teachers, they find it very
difficult to teach and conduct regular laboratory exercises with their students. Also, lack
of adequate laboratory equipment and materials is a major contributing factor to
teachers’ reluctance in conducting laboratory exercises since the government is finding
it difficult to fund science laboratories in schools and teachers are likewise refusing to
improvise. Lack of teachers’ motivation is also a factor that allows teachers refuse to
conduct laboratory exercises. It is therefore recommended that enough laboratory
materials should be provided in various schools and also teachers should be motivated
to ensure effective science practical work.
Description:
thesis in the Department of Science Education,
Faculty of Science Education, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Science Education)
in the University of Education, Winneba
SEPTEMBER, 2022