Antecedent Factors That Motivated People to Be Successful in Science: The Case of Wa District of the Upper West Region, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: The misconception held by many Senior High Schools Students that Science is difficult is having a spill-over effects on many of the Junior High School (JHS) graduates. Many of these JHS graduates were not and still are not opting for science courses at the Senior High Level because they have been indoctrinated with the notion that science is difficult. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the factors that have motivated some personalities to become successful in the fields of science and use the results to encourage more JHS graduates to opt for science courses. Methodology: The study was conducted in the Wa District of the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana. Self-reported data were collected from 40 successful science-achievers using structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. Analysis: The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA. Results: The results of the study revealed that teachers and parents in addition to role models constitute the key variables motivating personalities to read science. Analysis of variance shows statistical significant difference between the following variables: rural and urban motivational factors (mean square=1.469; F=6.723; p= 0.013); personalities who influence choice of science (mean square=17.778; f=49.231; p= 0.000); reasons for choice of science (mean square=20.069; F=49.828; p= 0.000); how respondents were motivated by parents, teachers, and classmates (mean square=19.136; F=26.310; p= 0.000); parental educational background and motivation (mean square=13.225; F=10.309; p= 0.003); suggested ways to motivate students to read science (mean square=24.544; F=28.649; p= 0.000); influence of role models on respondents education (mean square=26.678; f=24.298; p= 0.000); professions of respondents role models (Mean square=36.736; F=28.128; p= 0.000); and ways respondents managed the problems they encountered whilst in school (mean square=40.00.; F=28.148; p= 0.000).Recommendations: The study recommends that teachers and parents should collaborate when making decision regarding choice of courses for their wards. Career education must be instituted in the JHS to give students first-hand information on career opportunities to help them make informed decisions on their choice of courses. Teachers and doctors must exhibit good character worth emulating as they were identified as key role models motivating students to read science. Furthermore, teachers must practicalise their classroom teaching and learning activities to motivate students to read science.