Evaluation of classroom implementation of elective chemistry programme in selected science and mathematics colleges of education in the volta region, Ghana

Abstract

This study evaluated the classroom implantation process of the elective chemistry programme at selected science and mathematics colleges of education in the Volta Region of Ghana. The target population was the science students and their tutors at the 15 designated science and mathematics colleges of education in Ghana. The accessible population consisted of second year elective chemistry students and their chemistry teachers at the two designated science and mathematics colleges of education in the Volta Region. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 123 chemistry students and 5 chemistry teachers for the study. A combination of qualitative and quantitative data collecting instruments including questionnaire, interviews, observation schedules, and document analysis were used in the study. The data analysis involved the use of multiple statistical procedures which included simple percentages, means, standard deviations and independent sample 2-tailed t-test of significance. The data analysis results indicated that majority (60%) of the chemistry teachers were qualified chemistry teachers. The rest 40% University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 14 were qualified laboratory technicians. The results also showed that the colleges lacked adequate material resources which are essential pre-requisites for effective chemistry programme implementations. It was found out that the duration allocated to the study of chemistry was not sufficient. Teachers were also found to have employed implementation strategies which did not lead to the achievement of the programme objectives. It was recommended that government should supply enough materials to these colleges to ensure proper organisation of practical lessons in chemistry. Periodic in-service training programmes should also be organised for the teachers of college chemistry. Finally, adequate time should be allocated to the chemistry programme implementation processes.