CHALLENGES TO EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE IN SELECTED SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN SAGNARIGU DISTRICT IN NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges to effective teaching and learning of practical agriculture in Senior High Schools in Sagnarigu District in Northern Region of Ghana. It was also to assess the attitudes of community members, students and teachers towards Agricultural Science. A sample of 80 Agricultural Science students and 10 teachers that teach the subject in the three public senior high schools in the district were selected. Data were collected using one-on-one interview with the aid of semi-structured questionnaire coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The results from the survey showed that, due to inadequacy of materials for agricultural practicals, teachers used teaching techniques like lectures which was found to be inappropriate tools for impacting practical knowledge.The major reason for inadequacy of materials for practical agriculture was lack of funds. About 45% of funds came from capitation grant which was not a reliable source. The remaining 55% came from other sources such as PTA, student dues and special funds which were neither reliable. It was also found that boys had greater interest in the study of agriculture than girls. It was further noted that, even though 90% of the teachers are degree holders who are knowledgeable in agricultural science and have taught for more than five years, there was no enough community support for practical agriculture through the provision of the, required laboratory equipment. It was recommended that the community and PTA should be encouraged to contribute financially and with the relevant tools and equipment to support teaching and learning of practical agriculture in the schools studied.