Examining the effects of covid-19 on senior high school students’ learning in Tema West Municipality.

Abstract

The study sought to examine the effects of COVID-19 on Senior High School students’ learning in Tema West Municipality. Specifically, to determine the relationship between participants' demographic variables and their responses as well as explore from the perspectives of students the challenges faced during COVID-19 period. The study was underpinned by the pragmatic paradigm hence the mixed method was employed. The target population was 1100 SHS forms two and three students in Tema SHS and Lashibi Community SHS. 285 SHS forms two and three students in both schools were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Both the questionnaire and the semi-structured interview guide was employed to aid in data collection. Both face and content validity were established in the study while a reliability test of Cronbach alpha (0.78) was conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis was done with the use of the SPSS software while a qualitative software analysis, tool Nvivo 8, was used to transcribe the oral data recorded during the interview phase. Findings from the study revealed that, 53.5% and 59% of the students responded their academic performance and quality of learning was affected by COVID-19 respectively. Overall, 34% of the students found online learning to be ineffective while COVID-19 affected them academically, socially and psychologically. This study recommended that, educational managers should develop policies and strategies such as provision of technical resources for teaching and learning as education contingency measures that can address future pandemic and support sustainable.