FACTORS INFLUENCING QUALITY EDUCATION IN BASIC SCHOOLS IN NANDOM DISTRICT OF UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Quality education worldwide is a solid platform for development. In recent times students in basic schools in Nandom district are witnessing low quality learning and poor academic performance. It is against this background that this study seeks to examine the factors influencing low quality learning and strategies for improving quality education delivery in the Nandom district. The study was guided by input-process-output and human capital theories. The study employed the cross-sectional design. The study used the cluster sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to select 227 participants as the sample size for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data while semi-structured interviews and observation were also used to collect qualitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 programme and presented in frequency tables, graphs and percentages. The qualitative data was used to support the quantitative data. The study found that inadequate infrastructural facilities, instructional materials, low commitment of teachers and parents’ low educational status and income level were major factors affecting quality education delivery. The study again found that improvement of working conditions, social amenities and community participation and empowerment are key strategies for improving quality education in basic schools in Nandom district. The study concludes that the fight for quality education, the FCUBE, UPE, SDG and EFA goals would be a mirage if the working conditions for teaching and status of teachers are not improved and if parents and community members are not empowered to actively take part in school management. The study recommends that government and NGOs should provide adequate school facilities and improve the working conditions of teaching particularly in deprived communities and enhance parents and community participation in education.