Training Needs of Basic Science Teachers in Benue State, Nigeria

The study investigated the training needs of basic science teachers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study. The survey design was adopted for the study. The population adopted for the study was 531 basic science teachers in Makurdi Local Government Area with 230 as the sample of the study. A 15-item structured questionnaire constructed by the researcher entitled Training Needs of Basic Science Teachers Questionnaire (TNBSC) was used for data collection. The descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Data collected revealed that teachers need training in the areas such as the use of instructional materials, practical skills acquisition, information and communication technology (ICT), upgrading of teachers qualifications and training on conducting research. Similarly it was revealed that factors such as time constraint, negligence on the part of the school administrators and the government, lack of interest for training on the part of teachers, inadequate training facilities and lack of political will were the challenges confronting the training of basic science teachers in Benue State. It was further revealed that the challenges confronting the training needs of basic science teachers are the provision of adequate funds, encouraging teachers in ways of payment of training allowances, provision of adequate facilities, including training periods in school calendars, provision of training centers in regions and senatorial districts.

openalex: W3107295010 mag: 3107295010 id: openalex:W3107295010 keywords: