Students' participation in decision-making in senior high schools in the Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

This study is on students' participation in decision-making in selected senior high schools in the Western Region of Ghana. The researcher used descriptive survey by way of questionnaires, which were pilot tested and modified to ensure their validity and reliability, and explored the nature and causes of low student participation in decision-making and its resultant effects on the teachinglearning process as well as a congenial atmosphere for the smooth running of the school. The population was students, teachers and heads of the forty-three senior high schools in the Western Region. 240 students, 60 teachers and 9 heads and assistant heads were sampled from three senior high schools. In all, a total of 309 respondents constituted the sample size. Purposive sampling technique was used to select three senior high schools and respondents who held leadership positions whilst random sampling techniques were used to sample respondents who played no leadership roles in the schools. Simple descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages were used to analyze data. The study revealed that, heads and teachers have positive perception of students' participation in decision-making process. It was clear from the study that student participatio'ii in decision-making enhances quality of decisions, commitment to decisions and enhances students' feeling of belongingness. In recommendation, participatory decision-making structures should be encouraged in schools in order to bridge communication gaps between administration and students. These could be done through informal consultation or introduction of suggestion boxes.