Challenges of teaching and learning religious and moral education in junior secondary schools in the Shama Ahanta east metropolis

Abstract

The study was a descriptive survey aimed at finding out the challenges facing teachers of RME in the junior secondary schools. The target group was Shama Ahanta East Metropolis in the Western region of Ghana. Being a descriptive study, the instruments used to collect data from the respondents were survey questionnaire and observation. Teaching of the subject has been a major problem plaguing junior secondary schools in Ghana. It was therefore the desire of the study to focus on teachers challenges, examine their nature and root courses and to provide suggestions for addressing them. Six (6) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The systematic sampling technique was used to select thirty-seven (37) schools out of one hundred and eleven (111) public junior secondary schools in the metropolis. The sample was made up of forty-four RME teachers and thirty-seven (37) headmasters. The findings revealed that, more need to be done, to improve the skills, knowledge and professional competence of RME teachers in the chosen metropolis. Most teachers had limited knowledge in the subject most especially the Islamic and the Traditional aspects. Also majority of the teachers were influenced by their religious background. Measures of improving the quality of teaching and learning in the schools were recommended. These include provision of logistics and a thorough periodic in – service education and training to improve the skills, knowledge and professional competences of the RME teachers. Areas for further research study on the topic have also been suggested.