Assessing the nature and challenges of supervision in the Ablekuma north sub metropolitan education area of Accra

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the nature and challenges of supervision in the Ablekuma North Sub-Metropolis. The study population was 662 teachers, 46 head teachers and 5 circuit supervisors. Simple random, purposive and stratified sampling procedures were used to select 271 respondents comprising 220 teachers, 46 head teachers and five circuit supervisors. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data and the response rate was 92.3%. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 15 software. The study found out that both internal and external supervisions were practiced in the schools but internal supervision was preferred. It was observed that Circuit Supervisors (C/S) visited schools more than other external supervisors and Headteachers and teachers were satisfied with their supervision. The study also showed that Headteachers supervisory activities influenced and facilitated teaching and learning better. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed there were statistical significant differences in the level of supervision in the Ablekuma North Sub Metropolis and the Tamhane’s T2 post-hoc test, revealed that differences in supervision existed in Odorkor, Dansoman and Kwashieman circuits. Challenges of supervision identified were lack of logistics, equipment and materials, teacher’s failure to heed to advice, low follow-up visits, teachers problem of underrating the competences of supervisors. It was recommended that adequate logistics, equipment, materials, means of transport, regular in service training and special incentives should be provided for supervisors to enhance effective supervision.