LOCAL TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING BIOLOGY IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE SISSALA EAST MUNICIPALITY, GHANA

Abstract: The use of indigenous or local technological knowledge in teaching and learning can anchor the study of subjects including Biology on the principle of learning from the known to the unknown. Therefore the aim of this study was to ascertain the existing local technological knowledge of the Sissala East Municipality and how to integrate them into teaching and learning of Biology in Senior High Schools in the Municipality. Cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from six Biology teachers and 30 local technological knowledge experts. The study revealed that majority of the teachers (83.3%) were of the opinion that it is difficult integrating local knowledge into teaching and learning of Biology. The challenges among others include poor teacher background knowledge in local technological knowledge (mean of 3.7) and unsupportive government policies (mean of 4.2). Some of the existing local technological knowledge that could be used in teaching and learning Biology are local conservation techniques and sustainable use of natural resources (mean of 4.15) as well as totems and taboos (mean of 4.99). Strategies that could be used to integrate local technological knowledge in the teaching and learning of Biology include invitation of local craftsmen to schools during Biology lessons to assist teachers (mean of 3.8) and incorporating indigenous technologies into national curriculum (mean of 4.2). It was recommended that educational authorities in senior high schools in Sissala East Municipality should encourage Biology teachers to utilize local technological knowledge in teaching and learning of Biology. Keywords: Local, technology, knowledge system, teaching, Biology, conventional concepts, strategies, Sissala East Municipality. Title: LOCAL TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING BIOLOGY IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE SISSALA EAST MUNICIPALITY, GHANA Author: Abraham BARSON, Wisdom Harrison Kofi HORDZI International Journal of Novel Research in Life Sciences ISSN 2394-966X Vol. 11, Issue 5, September 2024 - October 2024 Page No: 39-53 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 09-October-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13907956 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/LOCAL%20TECHNOLOGICAL%20KNOWLEDGE-09102024-3.pdf