ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PRACTICAL LESSONS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE SAGNARIGU DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

The main research objective was to assess the teaching and learning of practical agriculture in Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Sagnarigu District and how it impacts on students’ perceptions about their practical competency. The specific research objectives were to: analyse Senior High Schools Agricultural Science students’ hands–on experience perceptions in practical agriculture in the Sagnarigu District. Analyse the teaching and learning methods and techniques mostly employed in the teaching and learning of SHSs agricultural science practical lessons among SHSs in the Sagnarigu District. Analyze the constraints and challenges facing teaching and learning of practical agriculture among SHSs in the Sagnarigu District. Investigate the level of support schools, Society, politicians, civil society (NGOs), MOFA in the Sagnarigu District offer in facilitating the teaching and learning of SHSs practical agriculture. A cross sectional survey design was used to guide in data collection. Tamale Senior High School, Kalpohini Senior High School, Islamic Senior High School and Business College International, Tamale in the Sagnarigu District were purposively selected for data collection. Questionnaire, observation checklists, and interview guide and Focus group discussion were used to gather the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise and interpret quantitative data. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) and Kendall’s co-efficient were used to analyze the data. The results showed that, agricultural science students rarely had hands–on experience. The results also indicated that, inadequate instructional aide were the major constraints that affect teaching and learning of SHSs agricultural science practical lessons.The study recommended that, Teachers should emphasize hands-on experience. Educational authorities including Ghana education service and school authorities must provide the needed instructional aide.