Teaching Science at the Primary school Level: “Problems Teachers’ are facing”

Abstract

This study aimed at ascertaining the problems teachers face teaching science at the primary level. Literature reviewed relating to school science have suggested that students lack interest in science. This lack of interest on the part of the students may be as a result of problems teachers face implementing the science curriculum at the primary level. These problems if not identified may affect the quality of science education. The study was guided by one research question which was further sub- divided into two sub- questions. A descriptive survey research design was used. A 20 item questionnaire was administered to eighty teachers from ten primary schools from the administrative regions five and six in Guyana. . Validation of the instrument was achieved through the contribution of a science educator from the University of Guyana. A reliability coefficient of 0.77 was obtained using Spearman-Brown split half coefficient. Data collected were analysed using mean and percentages. The finding showed that teachers admitted that they need continuous professional development sessions to enhance their science instruction and science content knowledge. It was therefore recommended that a research study be conducted to ascertain the teachers' specific area of interest for continuous professional development in science education.