Challenges besetting the effective teaching and learning of biology at senior high Schools in the Ledzokuku Municipality

Abstract

The study was designed to investigate the causes of poor performance in Biology at two Senior High Schools in the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly. The main objective of the study was to investigate the challenges affecting the teaching and learning of Biology and suggest ways for mitigating them. Seven teachers from O‟Reilly Senior High School and Teshie Presbyterian Senior High School were purposively sampled for the study. The study used a case study design. Data was collected through semistructured interviews, document analysis and observation. These instruments were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis and validated by the researcher‟s supervisor. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that performance of students in Biology was affected by institutional, technical, parent, learner and teacher related factors. The study concluded that the provision of adequate teaching and learning resources, team work, devising appropriate teaching methods, in-service training for teachers are some measures that can be used to improve performance of Biology students. The study suggests that school management addresses the challenges militating against the effective teaching and learning of Biology thus improving students‟ performance in the Ledzokuku Municipality.