An investigation of monitoring of the teaching of science in basic schools: a case study of the Akuapem North District

The study investigated the extent of monitoring of teaching and learning of science lessons in some selected public primary schools in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. It ascertained the level of support given to teachers by headteachers and circuit supervisors who do the monitoring at the basic level with regards to science teaching and also to ascertain whether teachers’ at the basic level are better prepared to teach science more effectively due to the support system from monitoring. The sample for the study comprised 76 Teachers, 20 Headteachers and 9 Circuit Supervisors. The main instrument used for the study was the questionnaire and was supplemented with an interview guide. The major findings of the research were that majority of teachers (86.2%) and headteachers (75%) were Certificate “A” holders hence, the underlying factor to improve their competencies. Circuit Supervisors were mostly diploma or degree holders but did not specialize in science. The study identified lack of in-depth knowledge in science, the non use of activity method of teaching and child centered approach to teaching as a major hindrance in the effective teaching and monitoring of science lessons. The study also revealed that the areas the monitors mainly consider in terms of monitoring were lesson notes preparation and lesson presentation. The study recommends that periodic monitoring of science teaching and learning at the primary level should be done by competent officials to ensure that teachers are given the needed support. © University of Cape Coast https://erl.ucc. edu.gh/jspui Digitized by Sam Jonah Library ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My profound gratitude goes to Professor J. Ghartey Ampiah of the Science and Mathematics Education Department, University of Cape Coast who took time off his numerous schedules, read through the script, and offered useful suggestions and corrections where appropriate to bring it to an acceptable standard. I am grateful to all my respondents who provided me with the necessary information needed for the study. I also appreciate the support of Mrs Sabina Obeng of Ghana Education Service Council Secretariat which I found tremendously helpful in the completion of this work. I wish to thank the District Director, Circuit Supervisors, Headteachers and Teachers of the Akuapem North District, for their candid assessment and opinion about the monitoring of science teaching which enabled me to complete this study. To the Director, Teacher Education Division of the Ghana Education Service and all my colleagues at the Division, I wish to express my profound gratitude to you all, for your unflinching support and encouragement, especially, in providing me with the necessary documents relating to the study I wish to say that the services of all these people are very much appreciated and we therefore have to share in the joy for the completion of this study. Finally, I must appreciate that the completion of this work was due to motivation and encouragement of my wife Mrs. Rosa Molenaar and children who are now looking forward to the fruits of my labour. © University of Cape Coast https://erl.ucc. edu.gh/jspui Digitized by Sam Jonah Library DEDICATION I dedicate this study to my wife; Mrs. Rosa Molenaar and children; Nana Banyin Molenaar, Mame Ahimah Molenaar, Ama Molenaar, and Ato Molenaar. © University of Cape Coast https://erl.ucc. edu.gh/jspui Digitized by Sam Jonah Library TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page DECLARATION ii ABSTRACT iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv DEDICATION LIST OF TABLES v x LIST OF FIGURES xii CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1 Background to the Study 1 Statement of the Problem 6 Purpose of the Study 7 Objectives 8 Research Questions 8 Significance of the Study 9 Delimitation of the Study 10 Limitation 10 Organization of the Chapters 11 TWO REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 12 Nature of Science 14 © University of Cape Coast https://erl.ucc. edu.gh/jspui Digitized by Sam Jonah Library TWO Page Monitoring -A Historical Perspective 16 Trends of Monitoring in Schools 18 Effective Methods of Teaching 24 Effective Method for Teaching ScienceImportance of Practicals in Teaching and Learning of Science. 27 THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 32 Research Design 32 Population 33 Sample and Sampling Technique 34 The Research Instrument 34 Data Collection Procedure 37 Analysis of Data 38 FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 39 Calibre of Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors and Teachers at the Basic Schools Level, 39 Qualification of Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors 43 Area of Specialization of Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors 44 © University of Cape Coast https://erl.ucc. edu.gh/jspui Digitized by Sam Jonah Library Type of Monitoring and Supervision done by Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors. 47 Areas of Priority in Monitoring by Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors Frequency of Supervision by Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors Extent of Priority in Monitoring by Headteachers and Circuit Supervisors 48