Factors affecting quality of integrated science teaching and learning a case study at Obuasi Senior High Technical School in Obuasi West District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role played by the Siti dance in the society, and embed it in the Creative Arts curriculum. The study came out with pedagogical strategies that could be used to teach traditional music and dance in the classroom among the basic education children in the Sefwi Wiawso traditional area. The purposive sampling technique was used to select sample for the study. Nine primary school teachers were selected from the three (3) selected schools in the municipality. Four Siti performers were also used for the study. Qualitative Interpretative Analysis and Ethnographic Research methods were used to find answers to the research questions. Data were collected by means of observations and interviews. Findings from the study clearly shows that traditional music and dance like Siti plays vital roles in the society as a medium for voicing out personal and community sentiments, device for moral training and social control, transmission and preservation of culture. The study has also revealed that pupils‟ cognitive, physical, social, moral and emotional development, and aesthetic sensitivity can be enhanced through learning of traditional music and dance (like Siti) in schools. Teachers find it difficult to incorporate Siti music and dance in primary schools due to inadequate knowledge and skills for teaching, inadequate teaching and learning materials and the lack of opportunity to attend in-service training to update their knowledge and skills in teaching of traditional music and dance. The study recommends that, the community leaders (chiefs) should encourage the use of traditional music in all state functions, festivals and other social occasions. Traditional music and dance (Siti) should be taught in school to develop pupils cognitive, social, emotional, physical, moral and aesthetic sensitivity. To promote and preserve the culture of our communities, pupils should be encouraged to learn their traditional music and dance (Siti) by learning how to play the musical instruments, sing some of the indigenous songs and dance. Ghana Education Service should organize in-service training or workshops on methods of teaching traditional music and dance in primary school. Also, all student-teachers pursuing Early grade and Upper-primary programmes in Colleges of Education should learn methods of teaching of all the contents in Performing Arts to enable them handle the Creative Arts lessons well after their programme.