ABSTRACT
This study investigated the problems and possible solutions of teaching and learning of history effectively in Junior secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. Four research questions were raised to guide this study. Related literatures of eminent scholars’ views on the study were reviewed. The study adopted descriptive survey research design, the total population comprised all Junior secondnary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State which were employed for the study, while the sampled population was a total of nine (9) respondents where proportionate random sampling technique was employed.
The research instrument employed for this study was a self-structured questionnaire that sought information from the respondents from selected schools. The reliability of the research instrument was ascertained using test-retest reliability technique. The reliability of the retrieved instrument was ascertained using Cronbach Correlation Coefficient method. A reliability coefficient score of 0.76 was obtained. Data was collected from the respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count and simple percentages.
The findings revealed that the study revealed that the method of teaching history in junior secondary schools is with the use of textbook and chalkboard and other methods such as historical documents, objects, pictures, maps, and so on. As respondent agrees to using only chalkboard and textbook but not laptop or projectors. As there was a gap in the usage of modern technology and equipment in teaching history by history teachers. The study revealed that government policy has influence on teaching of History in schools either negatively or positively in the sense that if government fail to provide necessary materials and necessary training needed by the History teachers will result to poor performance of students in school. The study revealed shows the qualities of teachers teaching History in junior secondary schools is accepted as teachers improvise to give quality teaching to student and ensure that student understand what they have been thought in class. Finally, from the study revealed that available of instructional materials, take home assignment after each lesson, attentive and wants to know more about history, student finds history classes fun and interesting and many more interest students in learning of History in schools. Based on the findings revealed, the following recommendations were made: Many junior secondary schools in Oredo local government area may lack adequate history textbooks, teaching materials, and technology. The researcher therefore recommends that the government and educational authorities should allocate more resources to provide schools with up-to-date history textbooks and teaching aids. Seek support from NGOs, community organizations, and businesses to donate resources to schools. In some cases, history teachers may not have sufficient training or may not be adequately prepared to teach the subject effectively. Government should offer regular professional development and training opportunities for history teachers to enhance their subject knowledge and teaching skills while encourage experienced history teachers to mentor newer ones. Inadequate school facilities can affect the learning environment. Schools should advocate for improvements in school infrastructure through community engagement and government initiatives and many more.
