WHAT ARE WE LEARNING? ADDRESSING SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION IN SIERRA LEONE

Abstract

The study is based on addressing the factors affecting secondary school education as part of the Free Quality Education initiative in Sierra Leone. The objectives of the study were to ascertain teacher qualification and experience and school –based factors in relation to education in secondary schools. The study employed a survey design and a qualitative research strategy. The findings revealed that teacher qualification and experience affected learning. In addition, school based factors such as overcrowded classrooms, high student-teacher ratio, poor library and laboratory facilities also affected education and learning outcomes. Accordingly, the study suggested initiatives could be designed to enable professional development opportunities and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation for teachers. Also, provision of adequate and relevant teaching and learning materials would contribute towards ameliorating the problems in secondary school education