Students' Motivation and Methods of Teaching and Learning Integrated Science in Senior High Schools of Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

The paper assesses assess students' motivation and method of teaching and learning the integrated science in some selected senior high school in the Cape Coast metropolis. The paper was developed from three objectives: to assess how students are motivated to study integrated science; to determine whether the teaching and learning environment is conducive for the study of the subject and to assess whether the methods used in teaching the subject promote effective teaching and learning. Descriptive survey design was used. The target population was students and tutors of the selected schools for the study. The study was conducted in the context of four (4) selected Senior High Schools located within the Cape Coast Metropolis. The total population was 128, made up of 120 form two integrated science students and 8 integrated science teachers. It was found that students' motivation for teaching and learning of integrated science was relatively low. It also emerged that the dominant teaching methods are note dictation and somewhat discussions. Little emphasis is placed on experiment in the teaching and learning. The students generally showed that their preferred method of teaching is experimental teaching and learning contrary to what is actually happening in their class room. These findings explain why these students do not have interest and desire in the subject. It is recommended that government and parent teachers association (PTA) should jointly contribute to resource science centres to boost students desire and interest in science. Visual aids and other computer imaging could be introduced to supplement the absence of fully equipped science resource centres. These could motivate students to marry the study of integrated science.