The perception of teachers on the practices and challenges of supervision of teaching and learning in basic schools a case study of Mankranso Circuit

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate teachers’ perception on the practices and challenges of supervision of teaching and learning in basic schools in the Mankranso Circuit of the Ahafo Ano South West District. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of supervision practiced, find out the perceptions of teachers, head teachers and circuit supervisors on the importance of supervision and to establish the challenges associated with supervision in basic schools in the Mankranso circuit. The study adopted descriptive survey design using the questionnaire to collect data. The target population was 441 head teachers and teachers in the Ahafo Ano South West District. The accessible population was 52, comprising 3 head teachers, 48 teachers and one circuit supervisors in the Mankranso Circuit. Census sampling was used to select 52 respondents for the study. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics. The study found among others that schools in the study area practiced both external and internal supervision. Also supervision took the forms of intensive inspection and regular visits. Also, supervision contributed to continuous professional development of teacher and enabled teachers to use variety of teaching techniques. The challenges associated with supervision were perception of teachers towards supervision and supervision as master-servant relations among. Based on the findings it is recommended that the Ahafo Ano South West District Director of Education should allocate adequate teaching and learning materials to supervisors for them to perform effectively and efficiently to improve instruction.