Challenges in the teaching and learning of clothing and textiles in four selected senior high schools in Ashanti region, Ghana

Abstract

This study looked at challenges in the teaching and learning of clothing and textiles in four selected Senior High Schools in Ashanti region, Ghana. This study would help reduce the challenges in the teaching and learning. It would also identify ways of improving the teaching and learning of clothing and Textiles in schools of Ashanti region. The research questions were based on Find out the challenges of curriculum and instructional materials affect the teaching and learning of Clothing and Textiles. Teacher quality and their unavailability cause problems to the teaching of Clothing and Textiles and Finally do curriculum problems and instructional materials cause problems to the teaching and learning of Clothing and Textiles. This study employed case study as its research design. The population consisted of teachers teaching and students pursuing clothing and textiles in four (4) Public senior high schools, two each in Kumasi metropolis and Atwima Nwabiagya District of Ashanti Region. They are as following, Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School and Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School in Kumasi metropolis and Nkawie Senior High Secondary/Technical and Mpasatia Senior High School in Atwima Nwabiagya District. The sample frame of one hundred (100) comprised twenty (20) Teachers and eighty (80) students totaling one hundred purposively selected from the schools in Ashanti Region. Two sets of questionnaires were prepared and used to collect data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that there are negative attitudes among the learners as to the feasibility and value of studying Clothing and Textiles and consequently, lack of confidence. There is generally inadequacy in the provision of instructional materials which leads to focusing more on theoretical teaching leading to trainees lacking proficiency in their chosen fields of University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xi specialization. It concludes that, Parents Teachers Association and government to assist technical course with funds to do practical’s. Also there should be in service training for Teachers to deal with some of the difficult topics, tests and practical pedagogical skills among teachers, and Parents Teachers Association and government to assist technical course with funds to do practicals. Finally, Teachers should also try to improvise and utilize instructional materials in their teaching.