Investigating the Use and Challenges of Field Work Towards Teaching and Learning of Geography in Selected Schools in the Wa Municipality

Abstract

The study was undertaken to examine the contributions of field work towards the teaching and learning of Geography in selected Senior High Schools in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The sample population was students and 3 Geography teachers. Both structured questionnaires and interview guides were the instruments used to collect the data for the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was organized into themes. Findings from the study revealed that the extent to which field work was used by Geography teachers is not frequent though it was affirmed by students and teachers that field work is vital in the teaching and learning of geography. Further, it was recognized that challenges such as lack of financial resources, inadequate time, lack of support from school management and parents and lack of logistics and material resources such as vehicles to convey students to the field in most instances deprived teachers from organizing field work as a method of teaching and learning. The study recommended the following; the Ghana Education Service should organize workshops and seminars to equip teachers in the organization of workshops, availability of videos of field sites that are in line with the geography curriculum for senior high schools, teachers should also explore more on the field work opportunities within their immediate school and community environment and all educational stakeholders should assist in the organization of field work to enhance effective teaching and learning of geography in senior high schools.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-22-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2021