An assessment of the availability and utilisation of biology laboratory facilities by teachers in selected schools in the Central Region of Ghana

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.