Abstract:
This study investigated the differential views of SHS teacher factors that
affect students‟ performance in biology in two districts of Eastern Region,
Ghana. The research was guided by five research objectives. The study sought
to establish the effect of certain factors such as teachers‟ motivation,
qualifications, instructional approaches, professional experience and job
satisfaction on students‟ performance in biology in two selected Districts of
Eastern Region. The study used descriptive survey design. The techniques
used to select the respondents were purposive and simple random sampling.
The sample consisted of 124 respondents; made up of 4 school heads, 80
biology teachers and 40 educationists. The main instrument was a
questionnaire and the data was analysed by the help of Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS). This was supplemented with interviews and
document analysis. The analysed data indicated that many (52.5 %) of the
biology teachers were of the view that motivation of teachers made them do a
lot of research to teach effectively. It was also found that all the biology
teachers indicated that qualified teachers adopt good teaching methods which
improved students‟ performance. Many (60.7%) of the respondents strongly
agreed that teachers with high professional qualifications teach students
better. Many (61.2%) of the respondents indicated that experienced teachers
University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh
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use learner centered approach in lessons delivery and they build upon students
existing knowledge and experience. Majority of the respondents strongly
agreed that, experienced teachers are more understanding in dealing with
student related matters. This study was expected to significantly contribute to
knowledge in other to improve learning and performance of students in
biology.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION OF THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF RESEARCH AND
GRADUATE STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA
JUNE, 2016