FACTORS INFLUENCING PRACTICAL COMPETENCIES OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE STUDENTS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN NORTHERN REGION

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence competencies of Senior High School (S.H.S) students in practical agriculture. A mixed method design was used and questionnaire, unstructured interviews and observation checklist were the instruments used to collect data. The study targeted S.H.S Agricultural science students in forms two and three classes and the teachers who teach Agricultural science subjects in S.H.S. The study was carried out in the Northern Region of Ghana. A total population of 312 respondents comprising 300 students and 12 teachers were interviewed. Stratified purposeful sampling was used to select six schools while simple random sampling was used to sample both students and teachers. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS). The study results indicate that, more males offer Agricultural science than females in S.H.S. It was also found out that, majority of professional and non-professional teachers do not engage resource persons in their teaching .With regards to embarking on field trips, more than 72% of teachers never embarked on field trips in a year. It was also observed that as high as 90% of teachers do have practical lessons with their students at least once in a term. The students who had many practical lessons in the various Agricultural science subjects believed they can practice Agriculture on their own. Many students were interested in Agriculture and its related areas. Many (77%) were interested in becoming full time farmers after S.H.S and equally many (75%) were interested in specializing in Agricultural related courses at higher levels. The factors that influence practical competencies among S.H.S Students are; frequent practical lessons, embarking on field trips and motivation by teachers. It can be concluded that most teacher do not engage resource persons in their teaching. It is recommended that school farms should be a requisite requirement in schools that offer Agricultural Science.