The Effects of Geography Teachers’ Professional and Personal Characteristics on the Effectiveness of the Learner-centered Method in Public Senior High Schools in the Nsawam-adoagyiri Municipality of Ghana

This study explores the influence of geography teachers' professional and personal characteristics on the effectiveness of the Learner-Centered Method (LCM) in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality. A convergent parallel mixed-method approach was adopted, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data. A sample of 256 students and six teachers provided insights into the frequency and impact of various LCM techniques. The findings reveal that teachers' professional attributes—such as preparedness, subject mastery, and creative instructional delivery—alongside personal traits like patience and humor significantly enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and academic performance. However, challenges such as insufficient instructional materials and inadequate professional development opportunities persist. The study recommends targeted interventions, including in-service training and provision of teaching and learning materials (TLMs), to optimize LCM implementation.