A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NEED AND AVAILABILITY OF SCIENCE TEACHERS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DELTA AND IMO STATES

Author: LAURETTE AMAUCHE ROSE OGBUKA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to comparatively analyze the need and availability of science teachers in the senior secondary schools in Delta and Imo States between the 2006/2007 and 2010/2011 academic years. The study determined the distribution of science teachers in the urban, suburban and rural locations, in senatorial districts, in specific science subject areas and identified the constraints to the need and availability of science teachers. Ten research questions were raised and answered. The design was ex-post- facto, with a population consisting of 681 senior secondary schools and their principals. Multistage stratified random sampling was used to select 68 (ten percent of the population) and their principals. Four hundred and twenty-seven science teachers were used. Primary data was gathered with two checklists. The data was analyzed using percentages, ratios, tables, component bar charts and line graphs. The study revealed a low availability of science teachers, with a high retention and a low attrition. Shortages and surpluses were found within and between the urban, suburban, rural locations and specific science areas. More female science teachers were available and the constraints on the need and availability of science teachers were identified. It was recommended among others that considerations should to be given to an equitable distribution of science teachers in senior secondary schools by subject specializations, using class size indicators based on the number of science teachers per school, per class and the science teacher’s workload. Subjects with Science teacher shortages should be given priorities in postings, while teacher surpluses should by all means be discouraged. Science teachers could teach in more than one school at close proximity while state governments should improve science teacher’s welfare package as a desirable incentives that could offset the shortage of science teachers in some science subjects, districts and locations

Supervisors: N.E. AKPOTU and E.P. OGHUVBU