School infrastructure and learners’ learning in selected public basic schools in the Effutu Municipality

Abstract

This study sought to assess the extent school infrastructure influence learning of learners in selected basic schools of the Ewutu Effutu municipality. The study was structured basically within the framework of qualitative approach and employed the case study research design. Three instruments namely interview guide, focus group interview schedule and observation check list were used to gather primary information from the Participants. The population of the study included Junior High School Heads, teachers, learners and an officer form the Effutu municipal assembly. The fifteen Participants were selected through non-probability sampling methods (purposive and convenience sampling techniques) for the study. Data was analysed through thematic procedure based on the themes arrived at during the data collection. The major findings include the fact that the state of school infrastructure in some of the public basic schools is nothing to write home about, this implies that the facilities are in deplorable state whiles essential teaching and learning materials are unavailable and inadequate for teachers and learners to learn and practice with. The study revealed that even though learners are motivated to learn in the midst of infrastructure deficit, none the less hope to get access to essential infrastructure to enhance their learning. The authorities in charge of proving the requisite infrastructure to schools for effective teaching and learning do not respond to their needs as expected. The indication is that the funds are not readily available to them to enable the provision of facilities for learning and also certain facilities are unavailable due to the initial design of school construction. As a result schools are permitted to solicit for help from benevolent individuals by the authorities to sponsor school projects and provide essential materials for studying. It was observed that school’s infrastructure maintenance was not that good due to lack of internal generated funds, a major factor is the poor functioning of the school management committee. Even though the PA is trying to gather the help they can to help the schools, it is just up to some few devoted members. It is therefore recommended that the District Education Directorate and the District Assembly should provide adequate School infrastructure to enhance effective studies. Government interventions (through Ministry of Education) in basic schools like building facilities, capitation grant, free textbooks and furniture to schools should be properly coordinated and centralized at the District level to reduce the shift time for their delivery to the intended beneficiary basic schools. The building designs for basic schools must be revised to include all the relevant facilities required for effective teaching and learning.