Abstract

CHALLENGES TO EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BASIC SCHOOLS IN BAYELSA STATE

Peter P Akpe

Volume: 7 Issue: 1 2017

Abstract:

This is an investigation of the challenges to effective educational delivery in public and private basic schools in Bayelsa State. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The sample comprised 1,000 teachers (including 205 head teachers) from 205 basic schools randomly selected from the eight local Government Areas in the State.. The two instruments used for for the study were (a) an opinion survey questionnaire titled ‘Quality Delivery of Basic Education: Teachers’ Survey Questionnaire’ (QDBETSQ)’ and an inventory form named ‘Quality Delivery of Basic Education: Head Teachers’ Survey Form’ (QDBEHTSF). These were appropriately validated with the assistance of the supervisor and some experts in the department. The instruments were personally administered, with the assistance of some trained research assistants. One research question was posed, and one null hypothesis formulated to guide the study. Results showed that the delivery of quality basic education in public schools is moderately inhibited by poor funding, lack of or inadequate facilities, low and irregular staff salaries, inadequate teaching aids, lack of and inadequacy of qualified teachers, overcrowded classrooms, poor facilities management culture (weighted mean = 2.39). These challenges were minimal in private schools (weighted mean = 1.79). On the empirical side, the difference in challenges to quality delivery of basic education in public and private schools was found to be statistically significant (Standard Deviation Private Schools = 0.52; Standard Deviation Public Schools = 0.59; t-value = 11.741; P<0.05). This implies that in all areas of assessment, the private schools fared better than the public schools. This justified parents’ and guardians’ preference of private schools for their children and wards.

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