The Utilisation of Educational Resources on Academic Achievement: A Case of Boa Amponsem Senior High School and Dunkwa Senior High Technical School

Abstract

The study explored the utilisation of educational resources on academic achievement; a case of Boa Amponsem Senior High School and Dunkwa Senior High Technical School. The study used a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. Census survey procedure was used to select teachers for the study and proportionate random sampling was also used to select students for the study. A questionnaire designed with literature was used to collect data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, descriptive statistics (i.e., mean and standard deviation), and, Pearson product-moment correlation was used to analyse the data that was gathered. The findings of the study revealed that educational resources available at Boa Amponsem Senior High School and Dunkwa Senior Technical School included a well-equipped library, well-equipped laboratory/studio, well-equipped computer lab, adequate classrooms, adequate desks and chairs in the classroom, adequate tables and chairs in the staff room, a school clinic, cafeteria/dining hall, adequate teaching resources, adequate number of offices, reliable water supply, and reliable electricity supply. The study further revealed that there is maximum utilization of educational resources as students and teachers utilize facilities in the laboratory, facilities in the library, facilities in the agriculture/ home science/ computer room, reference books, and textbooks in learning. Again, the findings showed that challenges in the utilisation of educational resources available to Boa Amponsem Senior High School and Dunkwa Senior Technical High School included lack of skills/competencies required for the use, lack of adequate storage facilities, inadequate provision of such educational resources, large class size compared to the availability of educational resources, lack of internet connections to the labs and departments, an inadequate period for practical lessons and teachers have a lot of teaching periods and lack of maintenance of these educational resources. The finding of the study indicated that there was a low/weak positive insignificant correlation between utilisation of educational resources and academic performance of students. Recommendations were made for the provision of more educational resources, ensuring maximum utilisation, and addressing challenges in the utilisation of educational resources.