Out-of- Field Teaching: The Bane of Christian Religious Education in Senior High Schools

Abstract

This study assessed the problem of out-of-field teaching in the Berekum Municipality of Ghana. The convergent parallel design premised on the mixed method approach was employed to collect data from 20 teachers who hold different degrees instead of Bachelor of Education in Religious Education and are teaching Christian Religious Studies in Senior High Schools in the Berekum Municipality. Questionnaire and observation protocols were used to gather data. The teachers were observed twice in their classrooms during delivery. Data was analysed through the computation of frequencies and percentages and narrative reporting of the field notes. Three areas were assessed namely their capacity to use appropriate instructional strategies, resources, as well as classroom management capabilities. It was found that teachers used teacher-cantered methods of teaching. Their teaching was dominated by the use of the lecture method.  Most of the teachers narrated bible stories whiles students listen without any interactions. Teachers failed to use appropriate instructional resources in the classroom. Most of them used textbooks and bibles. Students were made to read bible verses turn by turn whiles teachers explain the concepts to them. Their classroom management was good. Teachers attempted to motivate their students to answer the few questions that were asked during the evaluation of the lessons. It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service should organise in-service training for the teachers to sharpen their skills in teaching. Teachers are encouraged to do teacher education programmes and teacher recruitment should be based on professional qualifications.