Challenges associated with initial implementation of new curriculum at MA cluster of basic schools in the Oforikrom Municipality

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate challenges associated with teachers’ implementation of the new curriculum at M/A Cluster of basic schools in the Oforikrom Municipality. The objectives of the study were to establish factors that influence curriculum implementation, find out how teachers are involved in the curriculum development and implementation, determine challenges associated with teachers’ implementation of the curriculum and to determine the strategies to address the challenges associated with teachers’ implementation. The study adopted descriptive survey design, using the quantitative approach. The target population of the study was all teachers and head teachers. The accessible population was 54, consisting of 8 head teachers and assistant head teachers and 46 teachers. The study found, among others, that the factors that influenced curriculum implementation were socio-cultural environment reflecting in the differences in cultural ideologies and the nature of school environment. Also, teachers were not prepared well by the GES prior to curriculum development and also not supported towards effective implementation of the curriculum. Challenges of curriculum implementation were lack of teachers’ preparation and orientation and inadequate curriculum resources. Strategies to address the challenges were provision of adequate preparation and orientation of teachers and provision of adequate school facilities and infrastructure. It was recommended that Oforikrom Municipal Directorate of Education should provide adequate educational facilities such as school buildings, classrooms, including serene school environment for effective curriculum implementation.