Supervision of Science Teaching in Secondary Schools in Rivers State – A Rethink and Application of Scientific Supervision Model (Stoner, Freeman & Gilbert 2007)

Abstract

The paper examined the current practice of schools’ supervision in Rivers State as applied to science teaching/learning. Based on the nature of science teaching which involves experimentation, demonstration, fieldtrip, guided inquiring, use of process skills and laboratory methods. The use of Personnel Supervision Model (PSM) is inadequate, exclusively for science teachers for lack of integration of supervision with respect to areas of specialization; inability to probe teacher creativity, use of process skills and verification of products of science hence supervisors should differentiate supervision strategy between the social and management science subjects from that of pure sciences. It is suggested that the Scientific Supervision Model [1] be used to assess teaching and learning of science in order to inject adequate behavioral change among supervisees and anchor science supervision specialty-specific. The Model offers probe of instructional methods, processes and management of personnel in science. Supervisors for science teaching should be trained on the proposed Scientific Supervision Model (SSM) modified for Science Supervision in Secondary Schools.