An Investigation of Provision of Quality Basic Education in Ghana : A Case Study of Selected Schools in the Central Region

This study explored how input factors are utilised at the classroom level to promote quality education. The study used schools perceived by the Ghana Education Service to have satisfactory learning outcomes at the Basic Education Certificate Examination results, with the hope that the findings will offer important lessons to schools with poor learning outcomes. Teaching and learning in the classrooms of six private and public (rural and urban) basic schools in two districts in the Central Region of Ghana were investigated. Six headteachers and 26 teachers whose classes or lessons were observed participated in the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to draw 128 pupils from primary 3, 4, 6 and Junior High School form one for interview. Five research instruments were used for data gathering. The results showed that there were a number of similarities in the way sampled schools utilised input factors at the classroom level. The major differences between private and public schools were better English language usage of the pupils and greater availability and ownership of textbooks in the private schools compared to urban and rural pubic schools in that order.