Inadequate Science Practical Activities In Basics Schools: Impact On Performances Of Students In Integrated Science Education In Senior High Schools

Abstract

This study sampled students from three Senior High Schools and science teachers from four basic school in the Old Tafo Municipality for different levels of assessments through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages were used to analyse the demographic data of the respondent while chi-square test and Pearson corelation test were used to test the impact of science practical lessons in Junior High Schools on performances of students in science in Senior High Schools. Chisquare test and Spearman correlation indicated a significant effect of exposure to science practical lessons in basic schools on student’s ability to do simple practical lessons in Senior High Schools. Results from the responses showed that many Basic Schools do not have some basic scientific equipment. Moreso, there are inadequate field visits, test books and practical guides to support science practical lessons. Inadequate science periods, teachers’ low confidence in some selected science practical topics and large class size of some schools are hindrances to the success of science practical lessons in the Basic Schools. Students who do not get access to practical lessons in Basic Schools are over-shadowed by their other counterparts in the Senior High School science lessons and therefore individual students need proper exposure in Basic Schools before they enter Senior High Schools. Community science laboratories are needed for students to do supplemental practical activities during and after school hours. Stakeholders and other agencies in the education sector need to supply enough science equipment in Basic Schools to increase pupils’ interest in science and then properly adjust them for senior High education.