Senior High School Students’ Motivation and Interest in Social Studies Relative to Other Core Subjects: An Academic Programme Perspective From Ghana

This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore Ghanaian Senior High School (SHS) students’ interest in and motivation to study Social Studies compared to other core subjects. The study focusses on how their academic programme affiliations (General Arts, Science, Business, Visual Arts, and Home Economics) affect their subject preferences. The study employed ExpectancyValue Theory and Self-Determination Theory to poll 395 final-year SHS students in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and hold focused group discussions with 30 General Arts students who were chosen on purpose. The results show that students in all academic programmes are not very motivated to put Social Studies at the top of their list of subjects, even when they are offered a bonus A1 mark or a complete government scholarship to study Social Studies at the tertiary level. The survey indicates that, this is because students perceive the subject as less useful for getting forward in their careers and gaining respect in society. The study suggests that Social Studies should be rebranded by changing the curriculum, making it easier to get a job, raising public awareness, and making it a requirement for college admissions. It adds to the conversation on what motivates students in African schools and helps shape policy for Social Studies education reform.