Causes and effects of science tutor attrition at the colleges of education in the northern zone of Ghana: A qualitative study

The study investigated the causes and effects of science tutor attrition in the colleges of education in the Northern Zone of Ghana. Three science and mathematics colleges were used for the study. The study adopted a qualitative approach with 9 participants who volunteered to take part. The interview guide was the sole instrument for data collection. The interviews were conducted through face-to-face and phone calls. The recorded conversations were transcribed and categorized into themes. The study found that the science tutor attrition rate was caused by several factors. These factors could be grouped into unmet expectations of the tutors and the general working environment of the colleges. Regarding the effects of attrition, the study found that it has led to overburdening tutors and, consequently, poor quality training of pre-service teachers. The reputation of the affected colleges is also affected. In view of these, the science tutors at the colleges of education are ready to exit for better conditions elsewhere. The study recommended that the staff of the college of education should be given remuneration that is comparable to what is given to the academic staff of other tertiary institutions with equivalent qualifications and ranks. Also, the working environment in the colleges must be tutor-friendly to avoid the frustrations and dissatisfaction expressed by participants.