Constraints encountered in teaching practical agriculture in selected senior high schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the constraints encountered in teaching of practical agriculture in the Senior High School within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The research population was 150 students and 10 Agricultural Science teachers. The proportional and convenient sampling techniques were used in selecting the students and teachers respectively. Data was collected using questionnaire. The questionnaire was made up of both open and close-ended questions. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies and percentages, pie charts, bar graphs as well as independent samples t-test and one-way between groups ANOVA were employed in analysing the data gathered. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was the software that was used in the data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that practical teaching of Agricultural Science in the Senior High Schools was greatly impeded by the non-existence of the following: lack of school garden, animal farm, educational trips, demonstration plots, and well-equipped laboratory. Also, lack of funds was found to be the major challenge to practical work in Agricultural Science in the Senior High Schools. Based on the findings of the study, the government, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and other stakeholders should help in providing the needed resources such as school garden, animal farm, demonstration plots, well equipped laboratories among others to facilitate the teaching and learning of Agricultural Science in the schools