Concerns about the implementation of the 2010 senior high school social studies curriculum: A survey of teachers in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis Of Ghana

Abstract

The study investigated the concerns of SHS Social Studies teachers about the implementation of 2010 Social Studies Curriculum in the senior high schools (SHS) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region of Ghana. Data were gathered from 70 Social Studies teachers in 11 public Senior High Secondary/Technical Schools through the use of questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of .75 and interviews. Analysis of academic background of the respondents revealed two groups of Social Studies teachers. The groups consisted of teachers (60%) with and (40%) without degree certificates in Social Studies. Also, teachers’ efforts to implement the 2010 Social Studies curriculum were constrained by inadequate supply of textbooks, syllabus in use, teachers’ handbooks and insufficient teaching periods. Results from teachers’ concerns on organisation of staff training or development indicated that pre and in-service training, workshops and seminars for Social Studies teachers have not been regular in Ghanaian schools.Pearson chi-square revealed that most of Social Studies teachers’ concerns were independent of their level of education, subject specialisation and teaching experience. It is therefore, recommended that the needed logistics should be provided, more Social Studies teachers be trained and periodic in service trainings and workshops should be organized for Social Studies teachers to enhance successful implementation of the 2010 SHS Social Studies Curriculum in Ghana