Abstract:
This study investigated teaching and learning in six private and public (rural and urban) basic schools in
two districts in the Central Region of Ghana. Six headteachers and 26 teachers whose classes or lessons
were observed participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw 144 pupils
from primary 3, 4, 6 and junior secondary school form one. Four research instruments were used for data
gathering. The results showed that the quality of education offered by the private, public (rural and
urban ) schools was hampered by many shortcomings such as lack of textbooks and teaching and
learning materials; inappropriate teaching methods, and the extensive use of English as the language of
instruction. The major differences between private and public schools were the superior language facility
of pupils; greater availability and use of textbooks; and more access to extra tuition for pupils in private
schools
