Implementation of the standards-based curriculum in Ghana the teacher dimension

Abstract

Following the rollout of the Standards-Based Curriculum (SBC) in Ghanaian Basic Schools in 2019, stakeholders have been curious to know the extent to which teachers embrace the tenets of the curriculum and work to bring it to reality. For this reason, this study assessed the teacher dimension in the implementation of the standards based curriculum in Ghanaian Basic Schools. The study employed the explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, with questionnaire and interview guide as the instruments used for data collection. A total of 241 public Basic School teachers in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality were randomly sampled for the quantitative phase, whilst 8 teachers were purposively selected for the qualitative phase. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient), whiles qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The study found that Basic School teachers have positive perception towards the new standards-based curriculum. Also, teacher-personality factors such as professional training, motivation, attitude, commitment, years of experience and content knowledge affect the implementation of the standards-based curriculum. Again, the study found that school management support teachers through supervision and monitoring, continuous professional opportunities, adequate time and training to implement the standards-based curriculum. However, support in the area of teaching and learning resources were found to be inadequate. The study further established that years of experience have statistically significant relationship with teachers‟ perception of the standards-based curriculum. Recommendations have been made for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders in education to support the implementation of the standards-based curriculum with learning resources and training workshops for teachers.